Restoration of Old Fridge

Devastator0 on 05/01/2023 - 17:25

Hi OzB brainstrust,

I need some advice. My grandparents have told me that they are wanting to get rid of an old Westinghouse fridge that they have:

Fridge 1
Fridge 2

They've told me that the fridge works for the most part (amazing considering they tell me it's 60 years old lol) except the freezer chest section where, in their words, it isn't keeping items properly frozen. This wouldn't bother me too much as I intend on using it as a drinks/2nd fridge etc but I'm going to be taking this fridge off their hands and am looking into getting it fully restored.

I know it's a long shot, but I was wondering if anyone knows of anyone in Sydney who would do this sort of work and might be able to help me out?

Would appreciate any advice/suggestions.

Electrical & Electronics Refrigerator

Comments

  • Benoffie on 05/01/2023 - 17:35
    +1

    The one bloke I know who does these is a furniture restorer. He disassembles them, resprays the body (as you would a car) and then puts them back together. I have also heard people who do old vending machines and petrol pumps will also do fridges.

    If you cannot locate anyone in a general search, perhaps ask local auction houses. They tend to know where these things get done.

  • salmon123 on 05/01/2023 - 17:37
    +5

    Why? You can get modern retro-look fridges easily enough. Yeah, it wont be free, but it will weigh less, be rust free, use less electricity, use modern more environmentally friendly gases, wont cost anything to restore … too many benefits to list.

    • Ocker on 05/01/2023 - 17:39
      +1

      Why? - Sentimental value maybe?

      • salmon123 on 05/01/2023 - 17:41
        -1

        Then take a photo of it and scrap it.

    • Oofy Doofy on 05/01/2023 - 18:46

      Could retrofit with modern internals (the bits that have actually evolved, technology wise).

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 05/01/2023 - 19:08

      Yes, but it will great and is genuine.
      If you don't have the dollars, get rid off it to someone that will appreciate it, and but a newer retro model, that costs less to run.

    • brendanm on 05/01/2023 - 19:26

      use modern more environmentally friendly gases

      This only matters if it leaks out. It's working, so it has gas.

      You can get modern retro-look fridges easily enough

      Probably garbage that will break down in a couple of years.

      • salmon123 on 05/01/2023 - 19:54

        This only matters if it leaks out. It's working, so it has gas.

        See the comment below from the fridge repairer.

        In any case, even if it doesn't have a leak now, it could develop one. There was a reason freon was outlawed.

        Probably garbage that will break down in a couple of years.

        Perhaps, but I can guarantee the total cost of ownership will be lower than whatever this 60yo dinosaur costs to refurbush and run.

  • jizmo on 05/01/2023 - 17:37

    Panel beater motor bike restorer. If they spent 10 Hrs on it how much do you think it would cost?

  • freefall101 on 05/01/2023 - 18:07

    One issue with a restorer doing substantial work might be the safety issue. Depending on what year it was made if a kid climbs inside they're not getting back out unless someone lets them out (it latches from the outside) and might need pretty substantial changes to make it "safe".

    IMO it's not worth it. Looking at how bad it looks around the door, the bit of rust and that the freezer isn't working suggests a lot of work. If any repairs are needed to the cooling system it needs to go in the bin but even excluding that I think you'll find paying someone else to restore it will cost a lot more than a cheap fridge. I'd clean it, rip out all the insides and use it as storage instead. Get the cooling system properly disposed of too.

  • CurlCurl on 05/01/2023 - 18:08
    +5

    As an ex fridgie from way back that has worked on that type if "except the freezer chest section where, in their words, it isn't keeping items properly frozen" Means it most likely has a gas leak. From memory the leak could possible be where the electrics for the motor run through the dome.

    R12 hasn't been around for zonks and unsure (been out of the game to long) if the new 3rd generation gas is compatible.

    These old fridges are worth big money if working and complete. Sold my parents working 100% complete and working 1958 HMV (Kelvinator) in 2011 for nearly $600.

    • salmon123 on 05/01/2023 - 18:23

      These old fridges are worth big money if working and complete. Sold my parents working 100% complete and working 1958 HMV (Kelvinator) in 2011 for nearly $600.

      Did you mean aren't worth big money or did you mean $60000?

  • cheap-andrew on 05/01/2023 - 18:28
    +2

    That is an awesome looking fridge. I’d consider using it as is and not restoring it, but I guess that it has to suit its surroundings.

    The biggest turn off even if restored would be the running costs of an old fridge.

  • DemocracyManifest on 05/01/2023 - 18:41
    +3

    I’d replace the seal and just leave it as is considering it’s age - and future use as a drinks fridge.

  • altomic on 05/01/2023 - 19:19
    +2

    my parents were given a 2nd hand kelvinator when they were married in 1967.
    it was from mums parents and was ~5 years old at the time.

    it's been the beer fridge running in the garage for at least 50 years.

  • elgrande on 05/01/2023 - 19:20
    +2

    Put it on airtasker, you might find the person who originally built it in the factory

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