Replace westy coolbox with fridge.

[SoFloScott]

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

[pyrOman]

“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!
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Some people are so busy being clever they don't have time enough to be wise.

[2wheelsport]

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.

[crofty]

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...p;start=20
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Your Vanagon sucks, Stop waving at me.

[mandraks]

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.
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regards

Uli

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'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel

[SoFloScott]

Thanks for the advice all!