While waiting for my Airstream to arrive from the people who are shipping it down, I acquired one of the only pieces the trailer was missing; the original refrigerator.
The one that I bought is in pretty good condition and still runs, but I've decided to completely restore it back to like-new condition. I plan to go through a process like this with every piece of this trailer.
I'll post pictures of the whole process soon. I must say, it's really amazing how well built this refrigerator is and it really is an interesting design.
So far I have:
- Removed the door and disassembled it.
- Removed and disassembled all hinges, chrome trim, door handle and electronic/mechanical components
- Removed all metal pieces (the skin is nailed to a solid wood frame)
- Removed and discarded all old insulation (to be replaced with new, more efficient insulation)
- Removed all old gasket material. I found a place to order the same exact gasket material, new.
Next Steps
- Have all painted metal soda-blasted down to bare metal
- Primer above painted metal
- Paint above metal with solvent-based enamel to match the Princess stove (yellow)
- Polish all chrome, remove any pitting, rechrome if necessary
- Reassemble
The one thing I'm still undecided on is whether to replace the "guts" with those from a new
12 volt refrigerator. I really like the idea of restoring this (and the rest of the trailer) back to concourse quality
1958 showroom floor condition, but at the same time, I do like the idea of making the unseen "systems" of the trailer more modern. Soul-seeking... I think I just need time to make this decision.
Oh, and my trailer FINALLY arrived here in Phoenix from Eugene, OR. Just today. I'm going to pick it up on Saturday.