Need fridge pics/info.

Kirk · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 10:02 am Post subject: Need fridge pics/info.

My winter project is to restore(?) my fridge. (and probably my propane tank. Dan's propane tank resto thread has got me into it. Very Happy

) As far as the fridge goes, I have the power control (sorry about the crappy pic, its all I got at work):

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

But when you open the cabinet, there is just an empty hole. No fridge, no nothing. I searched the gallery, loooked at 8 pages of "fridge" pictues, and searched here, but didnt get what I needed. Basically, is there a cut out or something showing the fridge parts so I can see what I'm missing? And possibly see where it hooks up, etc?

I'm pretty fridge stupid since I don't have one. Any info you got helps. Smile

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drober23 · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 10:50 am Post subject:

Let's assume this is the '77 Westy in your sig.

The fridge should be to the left of the fold-out bed. Non-deluxe models would have a simple ice chest there.

Here are some pictures from the classifieds: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1156960

Not much to look at really though. If I recall correctly, the metal grate on the top tips you off that it is the fridge version and not the ice box version. The sticker on the inside probably tells you too, but I can't read it, heh.
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Westfabulous · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 11:01 am Post subject:

Kirk, if nothing gets posted, I'll go down to the garage and shoot you a bunch of photos, even if that means that I have to walk past my shattered windshield, and suffer the raw emotion that goes with it. Wink

Give me a couple hours.
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Kirk · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 12:02 pm Post subject:

It is the deluxe model, and the '77 in my signature. It should have the fridge in it. I've been watching the classifieds, just wanted a little more info.

Dan, thanks for the offer. Smile

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Westfabulous · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 1:09 pm Post subject:

Here ya go Kirk. Some pics from my Westy:

The big perspective:

The fridge furniture. Yes, I know the grill needs painting, but I love the original patina, so I left it:

The fridge panel:

The fridge:

The refrigeration system:

A little something to inspire your next project:

Hope this helps. In my opinion, you can buy a used set-up pretty affordably. Before you install it, you want to turn it upside down, plug it in, and wake it up for several days. This is a perfect opportunity to do that. Do a search and read some fridge threads on this. Good luck!
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pittwagen · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 3:31 pm Post subject:

Trying to find a cooling unit that actually works, and works well might be a challenge.

So are you into finding a running exact replacement or have you considered a more modern compressor driven cooling unit that would fit in the same location but operate much more efficiently (1/2 to 1/3 of the amp. draw) than the original. You would still need the ice box or fridge compartment but everything beyond that is new.

Here is a link:

http://www.novakool.com/products/conversion_units.htm

I'm sure there are many more companies out there. Something to consider.

Kirk · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:11 am Post subject:

Thanks Dan! With your permission I may use those pics in a "WTB" ad. Wiring pretty self explanatory?

I havent thought about a newer/more efficent unit, no, but honestly, I'm not opposed to the thought. I'll take a look at your link. I figured I could just have the older unit rebuilt somehow, but I haven't gotten much further than that.
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Westfabulous · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:14 am Post subject:

Yes, use the pics. I'd just get a stock fridge and put it in to make it original, unless you are dependent on having something highly functional. Mine suffices, and it is fairly lame, but it is good enough for my needs. Keep us posted Cap'n (Kirk) Wink

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pittwagen · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:24 am Post subject:

Did you see the 12 v fridge as part of the package? Maybe the fridge could be a separate deal. Ask for plenty of pics, of the cabinet and particularly the cooling unit to see how rusty it is.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1156553

The fridge should be capable of cooling at least 40deg. below ambient temp. My fridge unit, from a 74 P27, hadn't run for years and after some carefull tapping on the coils, I was able to wake up the mixture inside. I am able to make ice in the little trays as well. If not set on full cold, it does not run constantly either but does draw at least 5 amps when running. The unit has to be really level to function though. More so than in other Dometic units I have, or have had. About as good as it can get with a 37 year old unit.

As well the plastic cabinet housing should be crack free. Minor cracks can be repaired and there are several good paints to recoat the interior surface.

I don't know about recharging the unit. I believe similar heating units can be purchased. FYI.

Westfabulous · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:35 am Post subject:

Pittwagen, that is amazing that you can make ice! I get down to about 55-58* and that's about as good as it gets. As you can see, my fridge is like new; it had no rust nor leaks, and there is nothing about it that would preclude it from cooling better. Can you give me some ideas on where and how you tapped the coils to kick it into gear. I've done some tapping, but no real success.
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pittwagen · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:52 am Post subject:

First the fridge was out of the van so I had very easy access to the rear of the unit. As well I think my unit may have a little better air flow over the cooling unit than yours (both sides upper and lower and upper rear). And it needs to be really level to function well, much more so than the Dometic unit in my Dodge.

Here's a pic of the coils from a 74/75 unit, courtesy of BD. I just gently tapped on all of them with a scredriver plastic handle on several occasions. Didn't have to resort to the inverted/upside down trick.

Westfabulous · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:08 am Post subject:

Hmmm, conceptually my unit is similar; from an engineering perspective it seems quite different. I need to find some pics of my style unit out of the bus to get a better idea of the coil network. Thanks. Kirk, sorry about the mini hijack.
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busdaddy · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:58 am Post subject:

Same as the early model, just quished down and spread out.
Your fridge should make ice, time to pull it out and kick it around the driveway a little Razz

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Westfabulous · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 11:16 am Post subject:

Excellent; very nice BD. Thanks for that! I should get Kirk to start more threads for me. Wink

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Kirk · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 11:46 am Post subject:

Hijack?! Hell, I'm learning! Got a line on a complete fridge locally, going to look at it tomorrow.

Edit: Texted pics. Whatcha think? $40 or trade for my two spare heat exchangers. Odd, there isnt any power control on the wall.

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1977_L63H_P27 · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 5:20 pm Post subject:

Looks good. I'd give him the $40. Have you looked in the classifieds at the going prices on heat exchangers?? Peace!
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Westfabulous · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 6:29 pm Post subject:

busdaddy · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 6:40 pm Post subject:

Kirk · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2011 7:08 am Post subject:

Westfabulous · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2011 7:29 am Post subject:

Search fridge Kirk, and read up on some of the posts. As I recall, turning the fridge completely upside down, plugging it in for a week, and leaving it on a flat surface is the ultimate wake up procedure. There is lots of info to be searched.
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