Free frig

[Kathy Parker]

My frig died last season, and I will be rreplacing it in the next couple of weeks. It is from a 79 31foot airstream, so if anyone wants it or parts from it, it will be free. The only catch is you have to remove it from the trailer. It is located a few miles from the airstream camp in Clear Lake Mn and is seheduled to be pulled to the camp the first week in April.


Kathy

[Kathy Parker]

Its me again. Since nobody needs a broken frig, does anyone have any good advise on how to remove one? How much should I offer someone willing to try to remove it? I have an 80 year old father a BIL and a NIL to ask, but it would be nice to know beforehand how much work it will be.

Thanks

[59toaster]

I'd come get it if I were closer.

Smily would be the one to ask. He's pulled a few. One of his posts he show the wall removed to access the mounting plates.

[3Ms75Argosy]

It really isn't too hard, just heavy! I just removed our RM70 (broken). I assume you have a "bulkhead" next to yours. Remove the side screws from the bulkhead that screw to the side supports. The bulkhead should just slide out from the wall support. Place aside. The fridge has atleast two screws holding it (I assume more then two, but mine just had two). Open the fridge door, look down, you should see them there, they are LONG. Remove them. Open the fridge access door, you should see the end "skids" of the fridge, make sure that they don't have any screws holding them down. TURN OFF THE GAS AT THE TANKS! Unscrew the copper gas pipe from the fridge (you can use an adjustible wrench). If you can't see the plug that plugs into a "household" type plug, just turn or rock the fridge out until you see the plug and unplug it. If you have vinyl in the kitchen, I'd advise putting cardboard or something down to save it, the fridge is quite heavy, and will scratch it if not careful. Remove the doors of the fridge - I think it was two screws at the top of the door hinge, and then they both fell off!! The fridge will now come out sideways through the door. I did it by myself - I just "walked" it to the door, and then tipped it down (while being outside the trailer) towards me, lying it down on the floor, then tipped it up onto its "head", then let it fall out of the trailer. It was broken anyway!! I then tipped it up back up, and into my van, then drove it to the dump!
Good luck, hope this helps!
Marc
PS, I bought a smaller rebuilt fridge for about $475, much cheaper!
If you can post pics of your fridge's built in space, we can help.

[wahoonc]

Kathy,
Here are the directions from the 1975 Service Manual:

!. Remove the screws that secure the credenza to the refrigerator panel. These are located by opening the credenza door and removing the screws anchoring frame work, shelves and credenza top to panel.

2. Remove wires from AC thermostat (Be sure to note color code of wires for reinstallation)

3. Located on face of panel are Phillips head screws and poprivets securing panel to refrigerator. Remove these.

4. Now, very carefully, slide panel from wall extrusion and remove completely from trailer. (When sliding panel out, be careful not to scratch it on credenza trim)

5. Open pantry door next to refrigerator. Located on panel next to refrigerator, will be a row of Phillips screws anchoring panel to refrigerator. Remove these screws.

6. On top of shelf above refrigerator, remove the screws attaching shelf to refrigerator.

7. Remove pop rivets which secure metal strap from refrigerator to wall. This is located at top rear corner where panel was removed. (Step 4)

8. Shut off gas supply. Work through refrigerator burner inspection door to disconnect gas line from gas shut off valve.

9. Remove electric plug from outlet.

10. Refrigerator should now be ready for removal.

11. Lay a piece of plywood 1/4" thick by 3 ft. square on the floor at the face of the refrigerator. Tip it back slightly and pull forward on refrigerator until refigerator starts onto plywood. As soon as it is started, continue to pull refrigerator from wall until it clears opening. (Be very careful when removing refrigerator not to damage furniture)

12. Reinstall by reversing steps above. Check all gas connections for leaks with a leak detector.

There you have it in 12 easy steps Looks to me like about a 13 beer job. LOL It doesn't mention the long screws that the previous post says are there, but mine has those too.

Aaron

[jjonesnc]

ill do it for 24 beers

[Kathy Parker]

Done,

Let me know where to send the beer.


Kathy

[wahoonc]

Just send it to NC we will handle the distribution from there

Aaron

[Kathy Parker]

Hi

We are in the middle of frig removal. It is loose, but still wont come out. Panal at side wont come out either. My father is talking about coming back tomorrow with saws and crowbars. Any suggestiong?


Kathy

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Kathy Parker

Hi

We are in the middle of frig removal. It is loose, but still wont come out. Panal at side wont come out either. My father is talking about coming back tomorrow with saws and crowbars. Any suggestiong?


Kathy

Kathy,
Mine came out pretty easy, but it had already been replaced by a PO. IIRC the panel is clipped into the rail against the wall. Also mine has screws in the back of the fridge at floor level, kind of hard to see but you can get to them thru the access door. Did you drill out the rivets and punch the centers out with a thin punch? Those will cause problems too. Other than that...?

Aaron

[jjonesnc]

Kathy, I have a 1980 30' Excella II with a Dometic RM-100 fridge that works so good I dont want to replace it HOWEVER, I do have a wild idea about taking it out to paint the coils to keep them from rusting any futher. Ammoina and a open flame are a rather explosive combo!!
Today while taking the credenza out I did some poking around at how the fridge is installed. Tomorrow evening I plan to look a bit deeper into it........how much of a hurry are you in? hold off on the crowbars and dynamite for a day if you can lol
-Jason