Ice Box Upgrade

I started at 8:00 AM removing the top to the refrigerator compartment (ice box). Some two hours later it was off. Since the gen set control panel, radios and switch panel will be to the rear of this, I needed to insulate and install a new evaporator before continuing with the wiring. Photos show the fiberglass that had it be cut, panel that had to be removed, and the thickness of the original insulation.

There was more than a half dozen hidden screws that had to be destroyed. Screws, such as the ones that were installed before the Formica was glued on.

I'm waiting on the evaporator but will begin installing insulation today

Roscoe

Interior measurements, insulation and end panels cut and put together with1/8" dead air space between them The panels came from home depot about $8.00 each ,and are 3/4" thick. The inside of the box will be 1/4" white P V C.

INSULATION PANELS, FIBERGLASS PATCH, INSULATION FOAM, AND GLUE, FOR INSTALLING PANELS AND 1/8" STRIPS FOR THE DEAD AIR SPACE BETWEEN PANELS. P V C USED TO APPLY PRESSURE ON PANEL TILL GLUE SETS UP AND PANELS SHOWING DEAD AIR SPACE BEFORE TOPS ARE SEALED WITH FOAM.

I will finish the inside with 1/4" P V C sheets [on backorder] when doing yours be sure to measure all corners as they are different.

Roscoe

Insulation has been installed

waiting on PVC.

Update on 22 Aug 03

Today I worked on the original top to the ice box.

#1 The removal of the original foam insulation.

#2 The removal of the screws that were hidden under the fiberglass.

#3 Inside of top after being cleaned.

#4 The fiberglass joint is next at the rear. It was cleaned sanded and

ready to add more fiberglass.

#5 Lastly, is the top was clean and ready to be reinstalled. I an now waiting on the 90 degree PCV for the corners. I should have less than 4 hours left to finish off the the box. I will be using the super cold Waeco combination as a cooling source.

Roscoe

Update on 25 Aug 03

Pictures show the edges of the plastic being drilled for support until the glue sets up. Ruler showing the amount of space lost and insulation gained. Glued and screwed in place with inside view. All glued and screwed together. 5200 applied to the seams. PVC squared up on top to mark opening. Orienting the top over the PVC and marking the opening.

Tomorrow the evaporator Drain petition supports and shelves Then I can start closing it up.

Update on 28 Aug 03

The above shows the evaporator installed and the insulation on top of liner. The top installed next with some fiberglass work and then the
wiring.

The PCV was connected to the wood frame. This was sealed with silicone in case it ever needs to be removed. The molding shows where the switch panel will be installed, giving me about 4 more inches on the chart table.

The icebox is really quiet easy however, there is one item I did not show on any of the photos and that was a large framing square. Everything must be measured from the top and nothing is square. I got my PCV from a sign shop that builds molded signs. I feel the entire job could be completed in 8 to 10 hours if all materials are present and proper equipment is at hand. To achieve the 1/8" dead air space I used paint string sticks from my local auto paint store and split them.

Material list for Insulating the Ice Box

2 4X8 insulation panels 3/4" thick

1 4X8 sheet PVC

1 stick 1"X1"X1/4" 90 degree PVC for top joint

10 string sticks

1 can insulation foam

1roll aluminum duct tape

100 #8X1/2" Phillips, flat head wood screws

1 container 4 oz. PVC glue

! container 4 oz gorilla glue

1 1/2" thru hull for drain

1 tube 5200

I think that about covers it.

Roscoe

DONE !

The entire cost of materials NOT COUNTING THE SUPER COLD MACHINE was under $200.00. After doing much shopping I got my best price from Donnie at Costal Marine on the Super Cold Machine (a bolt in unit).

A friend asked if work was continuing on schedule to which I answered, "If figuring government work I'm ahead of schedule however for me it should have been in the water last year."