Ice Box Conversion to Spill Over Fridge/Freezer

[fallingeggs]

Got the XPS fitted:



Freezer is looking to be about 1.5 cubic feet, which is on target.

Will look to mock fit the evaporator plate tomorrow to make sure there are no unforeseen issues.

Also need to think about the top and lid. Will probably measure for that tonight.

[Typhoon]

Looks great ��

Will build plates any shape and size if you have fitment troubles .

Regards John

[fallingeggs]

Finally picked a route for the liner: a sheet of FBR. With the last layer of XPS pulled out, it was easy to cut the FBR to fit while on the ground. Nice and snug:



I also cut out the Polyiso and XPS for the top of the fridge (3" of Polyiso and 1" XPS) and bent/fitted the evaporator plate. I think I have to install the plate first, and then finish the tops and spill over divider.

I also decided that I'm going to go with a 3" Polyiso and 1" XPS for the freezer top and 2" of XPS for the spill over divider. Will monitor and maybe I'll switch to Aerogel at a later date.

[longjonsilver]

Originally Posted by fallingeggs

I also cut out the Polyiso and XPS for the top of the fridge (3" of Polyiso and 1" XPS)

i am quite unsure of your terms here. What exactly is the polyiso and XPS?
thanks
jon

[fallingeggs]

Originally Posted by longjonsilver

i am quite unsure of your terms here. What exactly is the polyiso and XPS?
thanks
jon

Just types of insulation. Extruded Polystyrene and Polyisocyanurate I think...

[a64pilot]

I was hoping someone would say what FBR is, I’m assuming thin sheets of fiberglass? Where can you purchase it?
For my divider I used blue board and glued to it thin sheets of fiberglass that is used on the interior of cargo aircraft, very light, thin and tough, but my supply has dried up as I Retired.

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I was hoping someone would say what FBR is, I’m assuming thin sheets of fiberglass? Where can you purchase it?
For my divider I used blue board and glued to it thin sheets of fiberglass that is used on the interior of cargo aircraft, very light, thin and tough, but my supply has dried up as I Retired.

It's just the pebbly frp sold at Home Depot in 4x8 sheets (other side is flat). I think there may be some actual fiberglass somewhere within the sheet, but it's too thin and flexible to tell

A nice fillet of epoxy and colloidal silica creates a pretty good liner and makes it easy to finish it off to an OEM appearance.

Matt

[fallingeggs]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

It's just the pebbly frp sold at Home Depot in 4x8 sheets (other side is flat). I think there may be some actual fiberglass somewhere within the sheet, but it's too thin and flexible to tell

A nice fillet of epoxy and colloidal silica creates a pretty good liner and makes it easy to finish it off to an OEM appearance.

Matt

Ha, yes, it's FRP -- Fiber Reenforced Plastic. There is certainly fiberglass in it, as my itchy arms could tell you. It's light, tough and easily cut/glued/epoxyed.

I'm attaching the seams together with either 4200 or thickened epoxy.

With the smooth side facing in, it should be a nice-enough finish. I suspect the nicest would be a fiberglassed and gel coated liner, which is what my original ice box was. But that's a heck of a lot of work and the liner probably needs to be built outside of the boat.

[fallingeggs]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

It's just the pebbly frp sold at Home Depot in 4x8 sheets (other side is flat). I think there may be some actual fiberglass somewhere within the sheet, but it's too thin and flexible to tell

A nice fillet of epoxy and colloidal silica creates a pretty good liner and makes it easy to finish it off to an OEM appearance.

Matt

Matt, you tackle this fridge project on your current boat yet?

[Typhoon]

Originally Posted by fallingeggs

Ha, yes, it's FRP -- Fiber Reenforced Plastic. There is certainly fiberglass in it, as my itchy arms could tell you. It's light, tough and easily cut/glued/epoxyed.

I'm attaching the seams together with either 4200 or thickened epoxy.

With the smooth side facing in, it should be a nice-enough finish. I suspect the nicest would be a fiberglassed and gel coated liner, which is what my original ice box was. But that's a heck of a lot of work and the liner probably needs to be built outside of the boat.

Be careful with this stuff, it is thin . I have used it for a few small projects and found you need something sturdier inside the box . This stuff, or at least the product that I used from home depot that was called fiberboard would break easily if you dropped a can or a bottle inside the fridge . Especially when it's cold .

Regards John

[fallingeggs]

Originally Posted by ColdEh Marine

Be careful with this stuff, it is thin . I have used it for a few small projects and found you need something sturdier inside the box . This stuff, or at least the product that I used from home depot that was called fiberboard would break easily if you dropped a can or a bottle inside the fridge . Especially when it's cold .

Regards John

I'll keep a look out for cracks, thanks. Fiberglassing only the bottom to add strength would be easier than doing the whole box.

[Matt Johnson]

Yup.... it's was before we did videos (people actually have to read refrigerator | Matt & Jessica's Sailing Page Here is part three: http://www.mjsailing.com/building-ou...r-box-stage-3/


I punctured the FRP the first time I loaded the fridge. I dropped a 2l of Coke top down and it went right through the frp leaving an almost perfect punched out circle along with a dent in the foam. Luckily, it's easy to repair, and this has been the only mishap.... our fridge is never empty enough for it to be a problem or my repair to be exposed

Matt

[john61ct]

I've never used fiberglass.

What about just painting the inside of the taped foam once everything's in place and stable?

I'm thinking white truck bed-liner.

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by john61ct

I've never used fiberglass.

What about just painting the inside of the taped foam once everything's in place and stable?

I'm thinking white truck bed-liner.

You're not only trying to protect the foam and add strength and structure, you're also trying to create a water tight barrier. Truck bed-linear is not usually water proof. Also, cleaning up and making it sanitary would be difficult with the dull rougher surface.

Matt

[fallingeggs]

Progressed well today, but no pictures.

- Applied thickened epoxy to the seams of the liner. Will likely need at least two more passes before I'm happy with the seams.

- Wired the compressor and Stainless Lobster. It all seemed to power up just fine.

- Completed the uninstall of the SeaFrost system. Gained back lots of engine room.