Converting wine fridge

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JeffNYC

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I just bought a house with a very nice wine/beverage fridge (Marvel). It has four levels for can sodas, two for wine, and since I already have a good wine cooler (all wine) and never really drink sodas, I think I'll convert this to a very nice kegerator. It has a glass door, and I've already confirmed it has no freon in the top. Marvel makes beer dispensors from what appears to be the same general design. The inside is a little different but once I remove the racks, I'm pretty sure I can get 2+ Corny's in there. I'll measure to be sure, of course.

I think this is the win/beverage cooler:
http://www.lifeluxurymarvel.com/products/product_pdf/6sbar/07843673.pdf

Here's my plan (with some basic questions, as my handy-man level is pretty basic):

* Drill 3" hole in center (Is this the right size, or should I do a little smaller? any particular bit to buy?)
* Install 2 tap tower with base from ACU: http://www.acumetalfab.com/products2.html (Any issues with drilling screws into metal top of beverage cooler? I think these are insulated already?)
* 2 taps (Perlick?)
* 2 beer shanks (Do I need elbow shanks?)
* Dual body regulator
* 4 Kegs from kegconnection (ball?)
* Beer and gas tubing, QDs
* Tower cooling fan needed? battery powered?
* 5 lb CO2 tank

Thanks for any feedback.
 
I've done a bit of research. It cost (in Amarillo, Texas) $10 for the CO2 for a 5# tank fill, $10 for a 10# tank fill, $11.33 for a 20# tank fill, plus a $6 flat fee (hazmat, etc). You might check prices for a local fill and tank exchange program, before you buy a tank. I have estimated about $500 for a 2 tank setup, including a new Sanyo 4912M, which you obviously don"t need. There are a lot of posts & help available, if you surf awhile. Here are a few links:

http://www.beveragefactory.com/refrigerators/beer/bc1206-2.shtml

http://stores.kegconnection.com/Cat...ebrew+Keg+Kits,+Complete+Kits!:Tower+Keg+Kits

http://stores.ebay.com/Tom-Hargrave-Sales_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQfsubZQ2d999QQftidZ2QQtZkm

http://www.rcbequip.com/index2.ivnu

YouTube also has some good videos.
 
instead of using a fan, someone on here ran the beer lines thru copper tubing that passed from the fridge into the tower. Kept the lines cool, and seems like an easier solution.
 
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=19762&highlight=corn+starch

Please look at this link before you drill holes of any size! It seems like one high pressure (hot) line runs along the top, and down each side. There are also low pressuer (cold) lines on the back. I read a link where one guy drilled a small hole in the inside and hit a line. You want to avoid puncturing a line!
 
I will check for lines, but the manufacturer assures me there are none in the top (they also use this same unit for a beer dispenser).

I'm still debating about drilling holes in such an expensive unit.

Jeff
 

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