fridge replacement projects - post here

[westyventures]

If you are planning to add (or already have) a decent sized auxiliary battery, especially AGM type, consider putting the $ into a hard-wired charger like an Iota. Then, when plugged in the battery will automatically be charged and kept topped up. I run my own rig this way, DC-only fridge but have a 40A charger wired in.

[dobryan]

[captainkarl]

[LemonCove]

Nothing new here . . . . thanks to all who preceded me on this thread.

50 shades of grey interior . . . original laminate and vinyl trim, Stove plate, electrical box plates, Fridge trim, GoWesty laminate, floor, upholstery, carpet, curtains . . .

VitriFrigo CS51 AC/12V. Trim painted grey with Rustoleum, propane line replaced after removing Tee on regulator. Fridge wired to Blue Seas fuse box behind drivers seat (12V) and relocated (A/C) outlet. Will eventually add drawer beneath fridge like others have done.

Finished installation (except for future drawer):

Complete install notes/photos:https://picasaweb.google.com/13VelosdeRemi/FridgeR...eplacement

Painting the trim:

New propane line:

_________________
'88 Bostig Westy

[Microbusdeluxe]

What exact color of Rustoleum paint did you use to match the grey trim?
_________________
'69 Squareback RIP
'65 21 window deluxe sold before the price spike, damn it.
'70 rhd bay now a taxi in South Sudan
'81 Westy sold
'89 hightop Westy Joker syncro 16" now with Bostig!

[LemonCove]

[OhBetty]

[westyventures]

I hope you'll add a grommet to the entry point in the floor for the propane line if you haven't already. Did you use any adhesion coat for the gray paint? I doubt regular enamel is going to stay adhered to bare plastic for long. Looks good otherwise!

[noganav]

Here's some pics of my Isotherm 40 Cube install.

This fridge has several advantages over a truckfridge:

1) It fits the width and depth of the existing space perfectly. It mounts flush to the front of the westy cabinets. Nothing sticking out. I adapted a stock westy latch to mine so that it would look as stock as possible.

2) It doesn't have that little internal freezer to take up space. The usable space inside is huge compared to the stock dometic, and about equivalent to the TF49. There's room for three 2 liter milk/juice/water bottles in the front of the fridge. Even with those there, the rest of the fridge is about twice the usable space of the dometic (as measured by the number of tupperware containers I can fit in). The condensation tray and shelf at the bottom are unnecessary. I took them out to free up space.

3) The whole fridge can operate either as a fridge or as a freezer. When I'm in it on my own I use it as a fridge. When I go camping with friends I can use it to freeze ice bottles and everyone can have their own cooler. I'm a biologist, so having a freezer for samples on the road is a big plus for me.

4) You gain tons of storage space above and below. I put in a cutlery drawer (3.25 x 12 x 15.75) and a pantry below (5.75 x 18 x 15.75).

5) It uses less power than a truckfridge. Mine runs for days on a 65AH battery under the driver's seat, so you don't need to dedicate space for extra batteries.

The downside compared to a Truckfridge is that it costs more. Mine was $922 from Defender during their yearly warehouse sale. Best non-sale price is $1024 from isotherm-parts. But because you need less battery, that extra cost is offset. I put solar in as part of this install and when you consider the total cost, a couple hundred extra bucks for a fridge that fits properly is well worth it.

With the solar panels, the fridge doesn't even put a dent in the battery. Worry free cold. I'm loving this fridge!

A few more details in this thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=623163

[singler3360]

Very nice workmanship!

I agree about the freezer in the TF. The number of times we've enjoyed a Haagen Daz bar pulled from the freezer compartment pales in comparison to the extra space it would free up. Ice cubes, even tiny ones, for G&Ts is another story but a small cooler is a good cure for that ailment.

Again, very nice work. Congrats.

[Gruppe B]

Love the install but not big enough for my needs. I second the awesomeness of the TF65 freezer too.

[Microbusdeluxe]

Here's some shots of my refer project. First off thanks to Jay, thatvwbusguy, for answering all of my stupid questions.
Here's a shot of the refer install.

I used the recommended Rustoleum Smoke Grey paint #7786 and while it looks good, it is definitely darker than the interior grey. Maybe because I have a Euro spec Joker, or there was variation in the paint, but the particular rattle can I used is darker.

I went for a drawer above the refer. I used the Go Westy laminate for the new refer door panel, a great match.

I got edging from Gunzl. I ordered both kinds they offer. The wider one (17mm plate height) would have done a better job of covering the door edge, but is way too light in color. The narrower one (13 mm plate height) is perfect on color and only a bit too narrow. You only notice the exposed door (or drawer) edging when the door/drawer is open & you're looking straight down the edge.

As far as the refer itself goes. I ordered the Vitrifrigo for the European quality. Maybe the q.c. guys were out having an espresso when mine rolled down the line but not only is the handle rather flimsy, but one screw hole was completely stripped. That aside it does cool down nice. Only tested it pre solar panel, but got 3 days off the new aux battery.

Here's the original refer door getting reused as a closet door. I made a door for my '81 and liked having it open in this direction. It does mean you need to relocate the bottom hinge, but that's not too hard to do. If you do this use the old refer front as a template and be sure you hold back from the marked edge enough when drilling the corners with your 4" hole saw.

The door does double duty as the front table. A nifty mod that I shamelessly stole from another Sambanista. Feel free to do the same from me.
[/img]
_________________
'69 Squareback RIP
'65 21 window deluxe sold before the price spike, damn it.
'70 rhd bay now a taxi in South Sudan
'81 Westy sold
'89 hightop Westy Joker syncro 16" now with Bostig!

[almo]

Quick question?

I want to put a switch on my TG-49. When during round town. And not on trips don't need fridge on.

How many amp switch is safe to run the power through? I have a nice little labels switch panel I would like to use but the switches are rated at 10amps. Would this be safe or should I use a relay?

Cheers
_________________
San Francisco/Mayo Ireland

1986 2.1L Westy 2wd 4-spd Sold!!!!
1987 2.1L Westy syncro
2005 Subaru legacy 2.5Gt Wagon 5sp MT

[almo]

Found the info in the TF manual.

Says minimum of 15amp switch


_________________
San Francisco/Mayo Ireland

1986 2.1L Westy 2wd 4-spd Sold!!!!
1987 2.1L Westy syncro
2005 Subaru legacy 2.5Gt Wagon 5sp MT

[DAV!D]

Here's mine, it's not a replacement, but a full custom build, the fridge has separate freezer and fridge compartments. I built it on a sliding shelf, so it can be pulled out and then push back out of the way.

More pics of my build can be found here..

https://imgur.com/a/XWQWo
_________________
86 Syncro Build - Ecotec Motor Swap - Pop Top Conversion - Camper Build & Syncro Conversion

[0to60in6min]

@David...

what fridge do you have there and what size?

thanks

[DAV!D]

[noganav]

Looks like we've been doing similar projects all spring Dav!D.

Another really nice looking install, congrats! I thought long and hard about the National Luna dual zone, but it was out of my price range. I didn't know Whynter had one. Looks great!

[DAV!D]

[noganav]