rob
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Posts: 27 
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Post by rob on Oct 4, 2017 23:21:38 GMT
Hi everyone, Like the title says, I bought another flat top but I think it might be toast. see picture below... What do you guys think? Is it salvageable?  |
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Post by birkie on Oct 4, 2017 23:29:40 GMT
What do you guys think? Is it salvageable? Unfortunately, probably not. There is a large hole in the condenser, and it looks beyond an economical repair. |
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rob
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by rob on Oct 4, 2017 23:41:51 GMT
What do you guys think? Is it salvageable? Unfortunately, probably not. There is a large hole in the condenser, and it looks beyond an economical repair. Bummer, but I kinda figured that was the case. I assume that since it has been open to atmosphere for heaven only knows how long, everything is shot, right? It's a shame because I really, really like the size of this beast. Plus I think it looks just as cool as heck! Aside from putting it right back on craigslist where it came from, do you guys have any suggestions? Thanks again! Rob |
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Post by blackhorse on Oct 5, 2017 4:15:05 GMT
Photobucket su__s big hairy bull ba__s........
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rob
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by rob on Oct 5, 2017 10:45:14 GMT
Photobucket su__s big hairy bull ba__s........ You aren't kidding!!! Photobucket used to be free, now they want 400 bucks a year to enable 3rd party hosting. Sorry, but even if I was made of money, I wouldn't pay that for Photobucket! Sorry you guys can't see the picture anymore. Rob |
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Post by birkie on Oct 5, 2017 11:18:28 GMT
 You can use it as a good source of parts. Also, the evaporator, condenser, and compressor come off the cabinet as a unit - look at the scotch yoke manual. You can get the refrigeration machinery off the cabinet without the risk of releasing the SO2. |
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Post by jnorris90 on Oct 5, 2017 11:22:25 GMT
So sad! But like Birkie said, you can use it for parts and look for another one! Everyone needs a good parts source so there is a LITTLE bit of a silver lining  |
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Post by birkie on Oct 5, 2017 11:44:40 GMT
More silver linings:
- no guilt in parting it out, since it is beyond repair
- no SO2, so you can harvest refrigeration parts without worry
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Post by blackhorse on Oct 5, 2017 12:24:56 GMT
Thank You very much for the photo, birkie.
I have never seen anything like that!
It looks like it rusted through; must have been sitting in the dirt for years for that to happen.
I don't know that parts of the refrigeration system will be usable, there will be a lot of internal corrosion.
Something you might check if you particularly like that cabinet, is the size of the top deck opening. You might be able to replace the entire system as a sealed unit, from one with a less preferred cabinet with the same size opening.
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Post by birkie on Oct 5, 2017 12:50:07 GMT
I don't know that parts of the refrigeration system will be usable, there will be a lot of internal corrosion. True, but I'm thinking in particular that the purge screw is probably good. I know I need one of those, so does a certain R-124 experiment. Some of the compressors also had a port on the dome for the filling process. It has a similar spline pattern, but I don't know if it would be a second/identical purge screw, or if it's something completely different. Evap would likely still be good? I know some folks have asked for CK-style evaps before. It would be really neat to grind the compressor open and examine the inside. I'd die to see a video of the oil jet in action! |
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Post by jnorris90 on Oct 5, 2017 13:09:28 GMT
I don't know that parts of the refrigeration system will be usable, there will be a lot of internal corrosion. True, but I'm thinking in particular that the purge screw is probably good. I know I need one of those, so does a certain R-124 experiment. Some of the compressors also had a port on the dome for the filling process. It has a similar spline pattern, but I don't know if it would be a second/identical purge screw, or if it's something completely different. Evap would likely still be good? I know some folks have asked for CK-style evaps before. It would be really neat to grind the compressor open and examine the inside. I'd die to see a video of the oil jet in action! I second that!! Perfect opporitunity to dissect it and see how the internals look and see the oil system works!! |
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rob
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by rob on Oct 5, 2017 21:28:56 GMT
So, I'm going to go in one of two directions with this GE: 1) put it right back on craigslist 2) attempt a retrofit.
Honestly, I'm probably going to go with option 1 but I would like opinions on option 2.
I already have a vacuum pump and gauges from previous projects and I am pretty good at sweating copper fittings, but I'm no engineer and I'm not sure where to even begin with sizing the components. I'm sure someone on here has done this before, and I'd like to know if you would be willing to help (hold my hand) through the process. I love this old fridge and I'd love to fix it up and actually be able to use it, but I can't do it without considerable help. Let me know if you guys think this is a 'doable thing'
Thanks!
Rob
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Post by blackhorse on Oct 5, 2017 21:39:24 GMT
So, I'm going to go in one of two directions with this GE: 1) put it right back on craigslist 2) attempt a retrofit. Honestly, I'm probably going to go with option 1 but I would like opinions on option 2. I already have a vacuum pump and gauges from previous projects and I am pretty good at sweating copper fittings, but I'm no engineer and I'm not sure where to even begin with sizing the components. I'm sure someone on here has done this before, and I'd like to know if you would be willing to help (hold my hand) through the process. I love this old fridge and I'd love to fix it up and actually be able to use it, but I can't do it without considerable help. Let me know if you guys think this is a 'doable thing' Thanks! Rob Retrofit as in rebuild with modern components, or as in replace the trashed system with one from a donor flat-top? Replacing with a donor system you wouldn't need to (or want to) open the sealed refrigerating system. |
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Post by ckfan on Oct 5, 2017 22:03:06 GMT
That's too bad. I hope that my flat tops never do that! Have you tried to run it? If the compressor turns on and runs it should all still be working. I would bet that you could fit a modern tube style condenser at the rear if you really wanted to. Of course it all depends on how bad you want your "royalty". I'm sorry, I had to...
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rob
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by rob on Oct 5, 2017 23:07:20 GMT
So, I'm going to go in one of two directions with this GE: 1) put it right back on craigslist 2) attempt a retrofit. Honestly, I'm probably going to go with option 1 but I would like opinions on option 2. I already have a vacuum pump and gauges from previous projects and I am pretty good at sweating copper fittings, but I'm no engineer and I'm not sure where to even begin with sizing the components. I'm sure someone on here has done this before, and I'd like to know if you would be willing to help (hold my hand) through the process. I love this old fridge and I'd love to fix it up and actually be able to use it, but I can't do it without considerable help. Let me know if you guys think this is a 'doable thing' Thanks! Rob Retrofit as in rebuild with modern components, or as in replace the trashed system with one from a donor flat-top? Replacing with a donor system you wouldn't need to (or want to) open the sealed refrigerating system. The second one----replacing the trashed system with modern components. |
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