Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
How To Install a Cold Draft Beer (and keep the water) System
Page: 1, 2, 3  Next
Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
BellePlaine
Samba Member


Joined: June 01, 2008
Posts: 477
Location: Minnesota
BellePlaine is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 1:06 pm    Post subject: How To Install a Cold Draft Beer (and keep the water) System Reply with quote

If the pix die.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?...t_dir=DESC

I’m to the point now with my 1975 Riviera with a late (1976) Westfalia interior that I’m ready to dream up projects that are not of the utmost urgency to the drivability of the vehicle. Of course, there are always systems to be maintained, but I’m ready to have some real modification fun. This summer I tackled such a project and installed a homebrewed beer draft system. It’s the perfect marriage of my two favorite hobbies: Volkswagens and brewing homebrew.

Given that this is a family vacation get-away vehicle and I didn’t really want to have to explain myself to non-approving critics, it was a major goal of mine to make the draft system as inconspicuous as possible.

In fact here it is:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I can serve both water and cold homebrewed beer out of the stock Westy sink faucet.
It’s done by using a 3-way ball valve at the faucet so if the handle is turned CCW, beer will flow. If the handle is turned CW, water flows. There is one fairly short common line going from the ball valve to the faucet and it just takes a second to clear.

See; that’s an Imperial Stout brewed with cold-press coffee and cocoa chocolate nibs:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I’ve widened the spare tire cabinet by a couple of inches which allowed me to fit two 5-gallon stainless steel Cornelius kegs. These “Corny” kegs used to be used by the soda industry but homebrewers have adopted them as the vessel of choice for kegging purposes. One of the two kegs is for water and the other is for homebrew. I’ve removed the stock 7-gallon water tank.
A beverage tube, or line, goes from the water keg directly to the 3-way ball valve/faucet. Another beverage line, which I’ve insulated, goes from the beer keg and runs along behind the sink cabinet and then into the icebox. In the icebox it runs through 50-feet of stainless steel coil which is cold from ice and then through an insulated line to the 3-way ball valve/faucet.

The liquid is pushed pneumatically, that is to say via pressure. I’ve installed a keg pump which fits just perfectly through the hole where the water-fill tube used to be in the original water system. The keg pump provides air to the water tank, and to a gas distributor which I’ve reversed to allow air or CO2 to push the beer. Beer prefers and inert gas such as C02 otherwise it gets stale quickly. The C02 comes from a hand-held dispenser with a fitting attached to a gas line. It uses those small BB-gun cartages. So I’ve engineered the beer keg to get either CO2 or air in case I use all of the CO2 cartages while camping but might still have time and beer to kill.

Here is what it looks like inside:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Underneath the sink, the 3-way ball valve:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Above the sink, the handle and faucet:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

The spare tire cabinet/keg disconnects:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

The icebox/stainless steel coil.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

The water/beer keg air pump, and yes, that IS a Bay Window shifter knob:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

The beer CO2 dispenser:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

The beer CO2/Air distributor:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


The system is great and discreet but wasn’t perfect. Getting a beer meant opening the slider door each time and disturbing my sleeping children. So I had a stainless steel box fabricated to fit nicely in the sink drain vent hole on the outside of the bus. Inside that box I had Corny keg threads welded so I could attach beer-out and CO2-in fittings which allows me to snap on a beer tapper and gas.

Here are some pics of the box:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

The schematic on the whole system:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Most of the stuff needed for this modification can be bought at your well-stocked homebrew supply shop. The 3-way ball valve I found at McMaster Carr. And the stainless steel box I had fabricated by a friend using Corny keg threads salvaged from a destroyed keg.

I hope that you found my homebrew draft system to be well thought out. Cheers!
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


If the pix die.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?...t_dir=DESC
_________________
'75 Riviera

Whether you are a novice or know your way around an ACVW, a day with Amskeptic is money well spent. My mechanical ability/knowledge/bus is always better after Colin visits.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/memberlist.php


Last edited by BellePlaine on Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:01 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
brookmp
Samba Member


Joined: February 05, 2010
Posts: 346
Location: San Diego, CA
brookmp is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 1:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You, Sir, are a genius! Very Happy. Incredible!
_________________
1968 Westfalia Campmobile
1971 Double Cab Pick-up
1974 Standard Beetle
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
WI sportmobile
Samba Member


Joined: August 10, 2010
Posts: 268
Location: Waukesha, WI
WI sportmobile is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 2:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You sir are awesome!!!! I had a dream about doing this at some point. Can you ditch out the water and have 2 kinds of beer? Does the water go through the chiller? Thank you so much for posting.
_________________
73 VW T2 Sportsmobile T4 1800 dual webber ICT's
06 TOY Tacoma TRD

Don't mess with the DNR.
"Bargain hunter becomes the bargain hunted."
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
peaceful warrior
Samba Member


Joined: January 22, 2005
Posts: 5274
Location: Taoswest, USA
peaceful warrior is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 2:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That is friggin' awesome! My only concern is if you get pulled over by Troopers and they ask to search the Bus, will they nail you for open tap?... Laughing
_________________
"Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
"Tram" says " My bus is bigger than your bus."
66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
TOOB Member #15
Brian
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
raygreenwood
Samba Member


Joined: November 24, 2008
Posts: 21474
Location: Oklahoma City
raygreenwood is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 2:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Very nice work!....just get rid of that brass valve. Its "adequate" for water but not for beer which can have Ph problems with brass. There are plenty of 3 way valves made of stainless of polypropylene. Ray
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
babysnakes
Samba Member


Joined: August 19, 2008
Posts: 7104

babysnakes is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 2:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I love you! That is incredible. I used to home brew. Wow! Now you're making me think. Thinking is bad....I think. Very Happy
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
mranker
Samba Member


Joined: April 11, 2006
Posts: 271
Location: Pasadena, CA
mranker is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 3:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Applause Applause Applause
_________________
'70 Bus
'02 Eurovan MV Weekender
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
TequilaSunSet
Samba Member


Joined: May 30, 2012
Posts: 2109
Location: Philippines
TequilaSunSet is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 3:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Applause Applause Applause Applause Drool Drool Drool
_________________
Don't harsh my mellow...
1985 Hightower Vanagon 1.8T- Gone
1972 Panel Bus- Gone
1967 Bug- Gone
1964 Euro Sunroof Bug- Gone
1969/72/63 Sunroof Bug- Gone
1975 Brazilian Bug in the Philippines 🇵🇭- New to me
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
EZ Gruv
King of Plaid


Joined: December 10, 2002
Posts: 8544
Location: Las Vegas
EZ Gruv is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 5:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow.
_________________
Eric
1977 Deluxe Westfalia - 2.0L FI Type IV, Completely Original
Photographer for HotVWs, VolksWorld, AirMighty, VW Camper & Commercial, Hayburner, and more.
My Photography Page.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Facebook Twitter Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
akscooter
Samba Member


Joined: September 25, 2008
Posts: 528
Location: Eastern Washington
akscooter is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 6:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I Love it.... Applause but being a homebrewer myself the addition of a co2 tank would be the cats meow to the mix, and only use the pump system as a backup.... Wink
_________________
1975 campmobile
1949 Ply Special Deluxe
1991 Custom 1200 HD Sportster XLH
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
david_594
Samba Member


Joined: November 08, 2006
Posts: 484
Location: Columbus, OH
david_594 is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 6:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That is really pretty impressive! How long do the 12gram CO2 cylinders last? I'm kind of surprised you didnt use a Paintball CO2 cylinder with your setup.
_________________
1968 westy weekender
2000 jetta tdi
79 vespa p200e
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
chazz79
Samba Member


Joined: August 15, 2008
Posts: 2268
Location: ohio
chazz79 is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 6:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Single best bay modification ever.
_________________
One day as a lion, or a lifetime as lamb

The green monster in bits and peices: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=332556&highlight=green+monster
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
aeromech
Samba Member


Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 16922
Location: San Diego, California
aeromech is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 6:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hahahaha
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
busdaddy
Samba Member


Joined: February 12, 2004
Posts: 51057
Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
busdaddy is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 7:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Impressive!
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Слава Україні!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
giller
Samba Member


Joined: October 01, 2009
Posts: 211
Location: ottawa, canada
giller is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's already been said, but best mod ever!

I now believe in God.

Please take your ingenuity and turn it towards a fix for climate change. Very Happy

Cheers
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
notchboy
Samba Member


Joined: April 27, 2002
Posts: 22416
Location: Escondido CA
notchboy is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Real men of genius:

Fat chick drivin, Orange color bus movin, sleeping and drinking camper beer keg guy.

We solute you!
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.



Link


So when can I get my bus outfitted?
_________________
t3kg wrote:

OK, this thread is over. You win.

Jason "notchboy" Weigel
1964 1500 S
1964 T34 S Convertible
1977 Westfalia Camper pop-top
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
relaxedryan
Samba Member


Joined: August 11, 2011
Posts: 38
Location: Hawaii
relaxedryan is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 1:56 am    Post subject: You sir Reply with quote

Hats off too you. Wow. Very impressive.
_________________
Chillaxin, Duct tape, Beer.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
poptop tom
Samba Member


Joined: July 27, 2004
Posts: 1607
Location: The Hoosier State
poptop tom is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 3:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sweet work, Chris! Applause

And I love the stout ring stain on the instructions! Wink

Come down and visit before fall ends!
_________________
'76 Deluxe Campmobile
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Collie
Samba Member


Joined: April 03, 2006
Posts: 1285
Location: Virginia
Collie is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 6:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Applause Applause

I agree with EVERYONE above, that is a well thought out system and I love it!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
thewalrus
Big Jack


Joined: March 27, 2006
Posts: 3014
Location: Belchertown, MA
thewalrus is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 7:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Extremely cool and I'm very jealous!! Applause Applause
_________________
'73 Transporter 1.7L Dual Carb
notchboy wrote:
You ran over some #Vanlife'ers hopes and dreams?
60vwnewengland wrote:
Looking forward to next weekend, weed, krunk juice, hookers, blow, hanging with bums, philly, ...the awards!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2, 3  Next
Page 1 of 3

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.