Black Sunhsine - My Keezer Build - Lots of Pics

[tasq]

What hinges did you use for the collar? They look like the ones that came stock with the freezer. Do you have an issue with the weight of the lid/collar opening? I want to make mine with the entire collar swinging up for easier cleaning and loading kegs.

Read the first post.

He got a second set of factory hinges. You can lift the collar, or just the lid.

 

[electrichead]

Very nice job! Congrats. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us. I like how sleek and clean it looks. About what did it cost you from start to finish and about how long would you say you put into it?

I should have a parts and cost breakdown to post later tonight.

What hinges did you use for the collar? They look like the ones that came stock with the freezer. Do you have an issue with the weight of the lid/collar opening? I want to make mine with the entire collar swinging up for easier cleaning and loading kegs.

The hinges are replacement stock from Sears. The lid can be lifted alone and the collar and lid can be lifted together. The hinges don't even seem to notice the extra weight.

Condensation IS a potential problem. But I think with some good silicone sealant and the use of a dehumidifier (the EvaDry units are great) this build should be fine.

Sealing the electric was definitely a concern. I looked at various box seals but decided that good old silicone caulk would get the job done. I don't have pics but I thoroughly coated all the edges of the knock-out holes on each box from the inside. The edges were given a good thick bead before being screwed on. I made the holes where the wires go through a tight fit and once it was wired I sealed round the wires from the inside. I plan on taking off the cover plate for the outlet to check for condensation but seriously doubt there will be any.

ScubaSteve, do you think the mini EvaDry will be ok for my freezer size?

 

[tasq]

ScubaSteve, do you think the mini EvaDry will be ok for my freezer size?

While I am not ScubaSteve, I do own your freezer and an EvaDry. It works fantastic for me!

Edit: Mine isn't the mini though.

 

[electrichead]

Thanks tasq.

It seems ideal for this application.

 

[electrichead]

For you guys curious about the cost, here is the breakdown. Sorry for the sloppy layout, my Excel somehow uninstalled itself. This doesn't include the Kegs,taps, shanks, reg, CO2 tank, hoses, and hardware. I suppose I could add that if you like. I also have to order and mount a drip tray.

Hinge Screws - #12x½” Wood - $2.36
Hinges – Sears Direct Replacement Part - #216478801 x2 – $33.70
Stain – Minwax Dark Mahogany – $4.45
Polyurethane - Minwax Semi Gloss – $5.98
Silicone Caulk – GE Silicone 2 Clear – $3.89
Hole Plugs – 7/8 Metal x4 – $8.84
Insulation – 2’x8’x2” Pink R10 – $15.75
1”x8”x12’ Red Oak – $56.64
Rubber Seal – ¾”x7/16”x10’ Foam Self Stick – $3.98
Electric Box Screws – $1.96
Single Gang Box - $0.88
Shallow Single Gang Box – $1.15
Outlet – $3.49
Stainless Face Plate – $1.59
Angle Gusset Plates x4 – $3.76
Gusset Screws – $1.96
Extension Cord – Black Outdoor 15’ – $9.97
Drawer Pull – $4.97
Controller - Love TSS2 – $69.00
Temp Probe – Love TS-21 – $12.00
Freezer – Kenmore 8.8CF Black – $239.39

Total = $485.51

 

[ScubaSteve]

Well, I know him personally, and I can say yes My freezer is about the same size, and the EvaDry works pretty well. I must have recharged it at least 20 times. You really need to watch it if you keep the freezer in a warm room or garage. The condensate can get pretty crazy. I think I have the regular sized unit.

Also, keep in mind that condensate can still form in your electrical boxes based on the temp differential between the freezer and ambient temp. They'll basically sweat on the inside. If you can insulate the boxes themselves, you can probably combat this. Just cover the deep one with pink foam; the other you may have to jury rig. OR, use it for a while and see if it's even a problem. It may not be!

 

[ghoti]

What types of shanks and faucets did you decide on?

 

[android]

nice looking build! i have that same freezer and it has been great for me so far. my only question is have you fit 6 kegs in there? it seems like you would be able to fit 5 on the bottom, but only 4 fit. i suppose if you remove the co2 tank to outside the unit you can fit 2 more on the hump (i didn't make my darn collar big enough to fit the extras on the hump, but 4 suits me well.

 

[electrichead]

What types of shanks and faucets did you decide on?

Perlick 525SS faucets on 4" stainless shanks.

 

[AMizener]

Electrichead,
Thanks for posting this - it's brilliant.
Do you mind if I use this as a starting point for the one I'm planning?

 

[Flomaster]

Black beauty... I'm digging it.

a black keezer looks better than a white one IMHO

-=Jason=-

 

[electrichead]

Electrichead,
Thanks for posting this - it's brilliant.
Do you mind if I use this as a starting point for the one I'm planning?

Not at all. That's why it's here.

 

[AMizener]

Not at all. That's why it's here.

Awesome!

Question about capacity: How many kegs does this hold on the floor? It looks like 4. Are you planning on putting any on the hump?

 

[electrichead]

4 on the floor with the 5 pound tank. I can fit 2 on the hump with the 8" collar. Sadly it will be a while before I can afford to add anymore taps.

 

[ghoti]

Where where you able to get the plugs for the front?

 

[electrichead]

They are 7/8" metal hole plugs from Home Depot.

 

[DirtyD]

I was wondering what thermostat temp sensor you have and where to purchase and cost if you could, thank you and congrats on the nice keezer!

 

[AMizener]

I was wondering what thermostat temp sensor you have and where to purchase and cost if you could, thank you and congrats on the nice keezer!

Controller - Love TSS2 – $69.00
Temp Probe – Love TS-21 – $12.00

http://www.dwyer-inst.com/Products/Product.cfm?Group_ID=622&sPageName=Ordering

 

[DirtyD]

Thanks for the fast reply!

Bottled: Brewers Best IPA
Primary: Deciding
Secondary: Brewers Best Holiday Ale

 

[BoundForBeer]

Hey electrichead I like your whole White Zombie theme here your name and your kegerator. When is the La Sexorcisto fermentation chamber going to be built?

 

[electrichead]

Finally finished the drip tray and tap markers.

 

[kicknbrew]

Inspirational. Awesome job, man.

 

[electrichead]

Hey electrichead I like your whole White Zombie theme here your name and your kegerator. When is the La Sexorcisto fermentation chamber going to be built?

Haha, after I can afford to fix my jeep, The Creature of the Wheel.

 

[saucemanpc]

hey electrichead, i'm doing a very similar build. Thanks for the inspiration!

I was just wondering, have you had any kind of moisture in your electrical boxes or did the silicone hold everything pretty dry?

 

[electrichead]

No moisture in the boxes. I do need to stop being lazy and address the moisture in the freezer itself though.

 

[saucemanpc]

No moisture in the boxes.

that's what she said.........sorry had to be done.


Why do you think you're getting the moisture in the freezer? just from the opening and closing of the lid?

Also, which hinge do you find yourself using more often?

 

[IrregularPulse]

IrregularPulse, I didn't want to cut up the factory wiring .

Gotchya. I was thinking, It's easier to just splice into the main power. But I see now you just didn't want to.

 

[saucemanpc]

Electrichead.......where did you find the 7/8" metal hole plugs. The closest I can find is 3/4.

 

[mcl]

Looks great. How did you attach the drip tray?

 

[electrichead]

Electrichead.......where did you find the 7/8" metal hole plugs. The closest I can find is 3/4.

Home Depot in the misc hardware drawers.

Looks great. How did you attach the drip tray?

It is attached with magnets. I'll post some pics when I have a chance.