building a tap system over a chest freezer

I'm finally getting into kegging, and it being my offseason I want to build a kegerator. The plan is to get a 7 cu ft chest freezer, able to hold 2 halfs or 4 ponys. Im going to have 4 taps, and I hope to build basically a bar over the freezer with the taps. Now here is my question. Obviously chest freezers opens up, so I either have to hinge the top build or allow the freezer to slide out... Or someone here who has experience building a similar setup has a fantastic idea for me!

 

Hey pal you're in the right place. There are a couple zillion builds doing the same thing right here in the DIY forum. Look around.

First tip- probably a lot easier to work from the top hinge than slide the keezer around. That's what 99% of us do (me including), in many different configurations and hinge varieties. I just built a (beautiful) collar and then reattached the (otherwise stock) painted lid. Other folks get all kindsa sophisticated.

First warning- it is super difficult to get a 1/2 keg into a chest freezer by yourself. Don't do it. They are very heavy.

 

thanks for the tip, a hinge seemed like a better way to go about it. Ill search more, just got a little too far into my stash tonight haha.

Ive been a bartender for over 10 years, got 30 beers on tap where I've worked for the last 4... lift with your back, right?

 

I finally figured out what a collar was, that is even better. did you attach it to the lid or the base?

 

Here is what I did: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/incorporating-keezer-into-existing-bar-236053/

Never did finish that thread. Originally was going to incorporate it into the structure of the bar, but ended up just letting it be a standalone unit so I could move it around seasonally. I love my collar (except for 1/2 bbls, seriously awful) but check out some "coffin" builds too.

 

Tons of build threads on here to do exactly what you are looking to do. Good luck.

 

Search for Coffin boxes.

 

Look in this thread for inspiration:

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/show-us-your-kegerator-29053/