Original 1973 Refrigerator

[rieubanks]

Just starting a 1973 Tradewind restore. Frig seems to be working on electricity. Appears to be in good shape from the front exterior and interior compartments. However, the rear of the unit looks pretty spent from Rust. Even though it appears to be working is it safe to operate or should I buy new? Ok to cleanup rust an paint back of unit, motor etc.? Does this old unit have any value? Large unit, possibly 6 cubic ft or more. with freezer.

[Jammer]

Typically they fail over the years.

Main thing is to see whether there is a suitable replacement that will fit the space since the sizes and configurations have changed. It is a costly upgrade but probably worth it if you are going to use the trailer.

Ordinarily the inside corrodes through first leading to a loss of refrigerant and a loss of cooling but no safety problems. There have been cases where exterior leaks have led to fires, but the reports I'm aware of have involved much newer fridges with design defects in the boiler. Therefore I would not see it as a safety-critical update but rather one intended to improve reliability and possibly add electronic ignition (if you want that).