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SoFloScott Samba Member
Joined: August 23, 2020 Posts: 31 Location: Florida
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2021 6:07 am Post subject: Replace westy coolbox with fridge. |
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Hi!
I have a 1967 VW Splittie which is coming to the end of being in the garage having the rust replaced with metal. We're now turning our sight to the interrior and could use some advice.
We have a Westie interior similar to this one:
https://ibb.co/3kFwKbt
We've been using the coolbox for mostly storage and the sync pump not at all so thought we would replace it with something more useful for our camping like a proper fridge. Any pointers on swapping it out? We'd like to have the fridge run off electric hook up when it's connected and the battery otherwise. Looking for advise on:
Choosing the right fridge
Securiing the fridge
Hooking the fridge to both battery and electric
Love to hear about any succesful projects and any lessons learned!
Thanks,
Scott |
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pyrOman Fire Master
Joined: July 21, 2003 Posts: 12406 Location: Over 2002 posts deleted!
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2021 7:46 am Post subject: Re: Replace westy coolbox with fridge. |
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“Successful”? Hm!
I’ve had a vanAgone 12 volt “fridge” in mine before. While it did a fair job at keeping its cool, it was vital to have it on ONLY when the bus was running! Otherwise it would suck the battery down with a quickness! _________________ Some people are so busy being clever they don't have time enough to be wise. |
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2wheelsport Samba Member
Joined: July 31, 2014 Posts: 20 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2021 9:31 am Post subject: Re: Replace westy coolbox with fridge. |
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I started down that road doing research for my 66 Riviera.
Two places to get more ideas-
1. The vintage trailer crowd. I saw several where they installed the fridge and used the stock cooler door as a cover so it looked stock.
2. The #vanlife crowd. Tons of options for fridges.
Like this, https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor/food-and-bev...2193-30914
There should be one that's small enough to fit the area you want to install it in. OR pull out the old cooler and install into the existing cabinet.
Have a 2nd deep cycle battery with a relay switch and an alternator with adequate output and you should be golden. |
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crofty Judas of the North
Joined: August 09, 2000 Posts: 19672 Location: Land of Whine and Phonies
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2021 9:49 am Post subject: Re: Replace westy coolbox with fridge. |
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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...p;start=20 _________________ Your Vanagon sucks, Stop waving at me.
HamburgerBrad wrote: |
I slept on crofty's tent once. I passed out drunk from two bottles of Everett's brother's wine. |
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mandraks Samba Member
Joined: November 28, 2004 Posts: 7047 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2021 8:01 pm Post subject: Re: Replace westy coolbox with fridge. |
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i have said this before, but it bares repeating: you are in florida, get a big cooler and fill it up with beer and 40 pounds of ice. You will be happier. That cooler can slide in when you are driving, and comes out when you are camping. Win win. more room for stuff in the cabinets, and more room in the cooler. We take a BIG 162 can cooler. that is the right size for a weekend trip. It does not run down your battery, and it is cheap to get cold.
I do this about 10 weekends a year, been doing this for the last 15 years. _________________ regards
Uli
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'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel |
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SoFloScott Samba Member
Joined: August 23, 2020 Posts: 31 Location: Florida
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Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2021 7:15 am Post subject: Re: Replace westy coolbox with fridge. |
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Thanks for the advice all! |
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