Buy a new one or try to raise the old one from the dead?

[Cambium29]

Our '78 International has the original refrigerator. The previous owner said it didn't work but she didn't know why or when it quit. It looks to be in rough shape--some rust, missing panels, mud dauber nests on the rear. Interior has the typical "sat too long" funk about it.

Currently, the fridge is awaiting it's fate, between the garage and a dumpster.

Now my question: Should I try to refurbish this thing or should I just get a new one? I don't mind spending the money on a new one if the cost of refurbishing this one will be insignificantly less compared to potential headaches down the road. I'm not too worried about "originality" as we've stripped the the trailer down to walls and floor, anyhow.

If the answer is "refurbish", where does one start? I don't have any literature on this thing. Any troubleshooting tips? Things to look for?

Thanks for your response.

[barts]

Another option is to get a rebuilt unit.... we went this route and saved some bucks, and the fridge works beautifully... plus, the rebuilders are relatively local, so if we have problems, we know who can fix it.

Note that really old units may no longer be available... and the newer
ones are different sizes, so cabinetry changes are involved...

- Bart

[Splitrock]

I'm with the replace crowd.

[GeocamperAS]

Not much as far as electrical/mechanical can go wrong. So any repair should last awhile. However as far as the rust and funk, new is always nicer.