Intro and Kegerator/Fermentation chamber build

[dlmos]

First post and just wanted to say this I love this site. I've been looking at getting into homebrewing for a while and am finally taking the plunge! The deal with the wife was "not in the house" which meant everything has to stay in the garage. Living in Texas I figure if I better go ahead and set up a fermentation chamber/kegerator to give my future beer it's best shot, I picked up this fridge on craigslist

With the help of my dad managed to get it home in one piece.

Some serious cleaning and painting with chalkboard paint later:

I should have two STC-1000 controllers in the mail tomorrow, and I've got two 4" fans to install in the divider wall to cool the fridge side. I still need to cut the board for the future taps but so far I'm pretty happy. Wiring should be easy too, only one thermostat that should wire right up to one of the STC's to control the freezer/kegerator side.

 

[dlmos]

It's up and running! After another days work with help from my dad, the controllers and fans have all been installed! I am waiting a MyHeat heater from Amazon that should get here Thursday, but the heater outlet is wired and working properly so all I'll need is to plug it in. I just read the fridgestein that inspired my build is no more but I am great full to have my own version now. I haven't tackled the tap board yet but that should get done sometime this month (no kegging yet so there is no rush.

In progress pics:
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Finished:
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[KZack]

Nice!

How many coats of charcoal paint is that?

 

[dlmos]

I bought a 30oz can and was able to roll two counts on the sides and top, and 4 coats on the doors with it. I've banged a few things against the doors already and haven't had any chipping at all.

This is the paint I used:
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum...H=RV-_-rv_mobileweb_rr-1-_-NA-_-100141287-_-N

 

[dlmos]

First batch is brewed and fermenting! Came home from shift this morning and the temp was holding steady at 18C and the airlock was bubbling away! Also got the heater in and plugged up, not that it's really needed this time of year.
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[dlmos]

Side note the pic was taken when I first set the fermenter on the shelf, the temp sensor is actually taped to the side and insulated.

 

[truvr]

That fridge is looking good. I'm slowly working my way through a similar build. My fridge was hiding digital controls behind the knobs though, so I've had to do more wiring than I expected. But it's a fun project. Nice work!

 

[dlmos]

Yeah I was pretty lucky on mine, only one thermostat and all I had to do was take the two wires of it and plug them into the cooling circuit of the STC. All the original other wiring remained untouched.