Need advice on what to do with beer fridge!

[bobbyd]

This is for the HVAC and Refer techs among you. So I have this older True Manufacturing 48" glass front display case that I picked up about 8 years ago for $75 from a local drag strip that was closing down. It served me well for quite a while but has recently given up the ghost I think. I've had a couple of "Buddy" techs take a look at it, fix a couple of leaks and recharge it over the past year. It's an R12 system so it's not like everyone has this stuff sitting around anymore and the replacements aren't much better.

Well it seems that this thing just has too many small leaks throughout the system to get a handle on. The last tech had an electronic leak detector and it was making all kinds of dreadful sounds over the entire system. We've even tried the new leak sealant additives to no avail. So, I've pretty well given up on repairing the guts of this thing.

I've been told that replacement systems are available using the newer gases but I haven't had a whole lot of luck tracking any down or figuring out what one would cost. I'm certain that if I can find one that financially it's not going to make a lot of sense to dump $500 or $600 into something I only paid $75 for to begin with.

But, it's just so cool to fill up with beer and adds that little bit of man cave feel to the shop. Definitely better than a standard refer.

So, try and find a replacement system? What can I expect to pay to buy and have one installed? Should I just scrap it?

 

[epdarks]

You could convert it to use as storage? Or keep an air compressor in there to reduce noise. Get creative.

 

[contactme_11]

I'm a hvac/r tech. Usually when a leak detector is going crazy in a fridge like that it is leaks in the evaporator coil (inside coil). Did he only detect leaks inside, or at the compressor below as well? What you do next will probably depend on where your leaks are.
As for the r12 thing, r22 works in a lot of units as a drop in replacement. You tech buddies should look into that.

 

[01ssreda4]

I would replace the guts if the overall unit is in decent shape. That's pretty dang cool to get beer out of.

 

[RVDan]

I suggest spending the $500. It sounds like too much but consider it a restoration like many other things that you will buy cheap and spend a lot to restore. A proper rebuild at a refrigeration shop will give you another twenty years of service from this unit.

 

[Drew_flux]

I would put the cash into it, if the evaporator was still good. not all that much word to convert to newer gas.

 

[cowboy73]

I would have it fixed also. You only have $75 in it so far. Another $5-600 would still make it a good deal. Those coolers new are over a $1000. It would be like getting a new one for half price. If it's rebuilt, it would likely last another 20 years. You already got 8 years out of it. $600 dollars spread over 20 years fo service isn't much money if you think about it.

 

[Gizzy]

Junk it...gimme your address & I'll come get it out of your way.

 

[Plump]

I agree with Gizzy. I'll take it off your hands!

I understand the dislike for putting money into something that you really didn't plan on having to fix but the crew is right. You got one heck of a deal and a little restoration money would be well spent.

Super cool fridge to have. I've always wanted one for my garage.