fifthcircle
Well-Known Member
Yes, they made refrigerators.... thought I would get that out of the way.
So, a few weeks ago, I picked up a 1950 International Harvester for $100. I have been keeping my eyes open for an old fridge that "spoke to me", and this one did. It's simple, but with a nice design aesthetic that reminded me of the side of a Ford Mustang.
Definitely not in perfect shape, but that's ok. I don't like customizing something that is all original and pristine that is old. If it needs work, that gives me the opportunity to chop it and make it what I want. So the handle needs work, and the door jam area has broken bits. Other than that, it's pretty solid.
I brought it home and let it warm up in the garage for a while, and double checked that it got cold (it was really cold the day I bought it). Temp in the freezer went from low 40's (garage temp) to the teens very quickly. :rockin:
Then I set to tearing the thing completely apart.
Once I had all the guts out, I took all the old insulation out. I was worried this might be asbestos containing, but a little searching online told me that it was very unlikely that they bothered putting asbestos in refrigerators. Just fiberglass. So I bagged it all up and tossed it. Then I took the shell and the door to the body shop. There was a small dent in the door, and two screw holes for the giant handle that I had them fix/fill. I am having a friend cut the handle down, since it was HUGE, and I want it much smaller.
More later
So, a few weeks ago, I picked up a 1950 International Harvester for $100. I have been keeping my eyes open for an old fridge that "spoke to me", and this one did. It's simple, but with a nice design aesthetic that reminded me of the side of a Ford Mustang.
Definitely not in perfect shape, but that's ok. I don't like customizing something that is all original and pristine that is old. If it needs work, that gives me the opportunity to chop it and make it what I want. So the handle needs work, and the door jam area has broken bits. Other than that, it's pretty solid.
I brought it home and let it warm up in the garage for a while, and double checked that it got cold (it was really cold the day I bought it). Temp in the freezer went from low 40's (garage temp) to the teens very quickly. :rockin:
Then I set to tearing the thing completely apart.
Once I had all the guts out, I took all the old insulation out. I was worried this might be asbestos containing, but a little searching online told me that it was very unlikely that they bothered putting asbestos in refrigerators. Just fiberglass. So I bagged it all up and tossed it. Then I took the shell and the door to the body shop. There was a small dent in the door, and two screw holes for the giant handle that I had them fix/fill. I am having a friend cut the handle down, since it was HUGE, and I want it much smaller.
More later