1966 Caravel refrigerator replacement

[VetteGuy]

Hello guy especially vintage Airstream lovers, I have decided that I would take out the old an original Dometic refrigerator because I smelled ammonia I didn't know what refrigerator to get but then someone told me Norco n305(beige) and n306(black) was a direct replacement so I tried it and to my surprise it fit right in the slot with very little modifications. I did have to trim off half an inch on the lower end of the countertop under the kitchen drawer but that took 30 seconds with a circular saw and then it fit right in it looks nice in my opinion. Just thought I would show some interested folks but it can be done and what model to use so they don't panic when their original refrigerator craps out.

Thanks Al

[68 TWind]

Good to know Norco makes one that fits. When I restored my 68 about 10 years ago, Dometic made a fridge that was the same size and the vintage units but as far as I can find, they have discontinued that model.

[VetteGuy]

I tested it on the gas as i had to re-plumb lines. I used a roll of copper from Home Depot $22 and a flaring tool from Harbor Freight $6. It flares like a lopsided homemade pizza. It took a few tries screwing on and off to get he seal on the line but once I tested the leak with dish washing liquid 4 times..Bingo! it was done. it was sealed tight. Easy!

Now on to the Hydro Flame!

[docflyboy]

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

I tested it on the gas as i had to re-plumb lines. I used a roll of copper from Home Depot $22 and a flaring tool from Harbor Freight $6. It flares like a lopsided homemade pizza. It took a few tries screwing on and off to get he seal on the line but once I tested the leak with dish washing liquid 4 times..Bingo! it was done. it was sealed tight. Easy!

Now on to the Hydro Flame!

Let us know what your plans are for the Hydro Flame. Do you have it out of the trailer or are you going to fix with it in the trailer. I've got mine out and it's on the list to pressure test the combustion chamber and look at the valve apparatus. There hasn't been a lot on the forum on these little furnaces, but those that are aware of them say they'll toast you out of these little trailers.

[VetteGuy]

I was hoping to get it working but I just couldn't get gas to come out of the pilot gas is to it but the hole to the pilot must be clogged. I tried air pressure 120psi ..vacuuming ..oil to see if it would drip out of the bottom. If I can't figure out how to get it going before the end of summer... patience Runs Out I'm going to pull it out I'm junk it.

Thanks Al