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Thread: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount

  1. #1
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    Default Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    It's the Broncos bye week, so the perfect time to work on the OCU (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCrashUnit). This weekend's focus was spend on fabricating a pivoting mount and then installing a new beverage cooler. We knew we wanted a new bigger fridge, and even knew the compartment in which we would store it. But what type and how it was powered were the real questions. 12 volt or 120 volt power or maybe even run off propane? A standard compact unit with a small freezer and a fridge, or a beverage cooler without the freezer, or maybe just go with a kegerator? After much debate, it was decided to go with the beverage cooler. A kegerator would probably leave us with a lot of wasted beer, and units with freezers never offered enough usable space. We also know that we will still be hauling at least one cooler for the food items and plan to move the small 12V powered cooler we currently have to just under the new fridge. Here is the current small 12v unit:



    The compartment we want to use is in the front of the ambulance box. It is the only compartment that can be accessed from both the interior and the exterior. Here is the compartment:







    After getting the needed measurements we ordered up a fridge that met the desired specs. We had it set to arrive with plenty of time to spare in case anything went wrong. Thank goodness we did. Here is the first one to arrive:



    Didn't even need to open that box to tell it was damaged. So it was returned and another was brought in. After having to wait longer than were told, the new one arrived in about the same condition:



    No broken pieces of glass fell out of this box so we opened it hopefully. But the door was damaged beyond repair:



    After a few brief conversations with the manufacturer, it became apparent that a different vendor/manufacturer would be in order. So we ordered in a NewAir unit. This one arrived on time and in mint condition. Here is the unit we ended up going with (http://www.newair.com/beverage-coole...verage-fridge/):




    So we cleared out the compartment and got to work:




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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Since the compartment can be accessed from both the interior and exterior, we thought we should be able to access the fridge from either direction as well. There seems a simple solution would be to use a lazy susan under the fridge. But any fridge small enough to turn around in that space wouldn't be worth spending money on. So we started brainstorming at one of the tailgates. Here was Aaron's solution, a pivoting mount. Here is the scraps he used to draw up a quick model:



    A couple holes in one sheet and a couple slots in another, connected by pins running through the holes/slots. This would allow the top plate to pivot around 90 degrees while keeping one side contained within itself. It would require the inner doors to be open with it pivots, but would allow access from both the interior and exterior.

    Taking this simple design, we made a solidworks model once back in the shop and created a couple cut files. Then cut two plates out on the plasma table. If you look closely, you will see where we made a mistake in the CAM program ;-)







    Then cut and gathered up the rest of the pieces:



    Bought some conveyor rollers to sandwich in between the plates:






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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Assembled the pieces together by tack welding them together. Top plate assembly:









    Bottom Plate assembly:









    Assembled together:





    It works!:


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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Placed the mount into the compartment for a test fit:











    Then made a couple mounts for the pivot and welded them on.







    Will post more as soon as the photos are done being uploaded

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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Brucker previously posted:
    "Since the compartment can be accessed from both the interior and exterior, we thought we should be able to access the fridge from either direction as well. There seems a simple solution would be to use a lazy susan under the fridge. But any fridge small enough to turn around in that space wouldn't be worth spending money on. So we started brainstorming at one of the tailgates. Here was Aaron's solution, a pivoting mount. Here is the scraps he used to draw up a quick model:"

    DARNED FUN BRAINSTORMING!

  6. The Following Member Says Thanks to Jim For This Post:

    Brucker (November 21st, 2016)

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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Did you consider refrigerating the whole compartment?

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    Brucker (November 21st, 2016)

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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    newracer previously posted:
    "Did you consider refrigerating the whole compartment?"

    Only crossed my mind for a brief second. Just the thought of the amount of work to make it work right made me cry

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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Added a couple bolts to act as hold down clamps for the fridge. Also added a center support bar to take out a little bow the plate had after welding it up.



    Then got to work on the locking spring pin. Cut and gathered all the needed pieces. And started assembling them together:









    With the pin and lever arm assembly mostly together we start on the bases for the pin:








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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Attached the lever arm and pin to the top plate assembly



    Then attached the catches to the bottom plate assembly:



    And finished assembling all the pieces except the fridge for a final check before paint. Works as it should!



    Hope to find the time tomorrow to finish processing the rest of the photos.

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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Looks like the most bulletproof fridge mount ever. Awesome overkill!

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    Brucker (November 22nd, 2016)

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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    This is going to be a zombie apocalypse rig as well! Everything that you will need to up and go in a moments notice!

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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Very nice work indeed Aaron!
    But now how are you going to gain access to the Kingsford charcoal from the inside? because drinking indoors makes me hungry LOL

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    Brucker (November 22nd, 2016)

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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    EKXJ87 previously posted:
    "Very nice work indeed Aaron!
    But now how are you going to gain access to the Kingsford charcoal from the inside? because drinking indoors makes me hungry LOL"

    Propane and crock pots Charcoal is for outdoor use only, same as the smoker.

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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Painted and assembled, then added some felt to go between the plate and the fridge to keep the scratches away.:



    Installed into it's new home:







    And installed the fridge:










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    Default Re: Custom beverage cooler/compact refridgerator pivoting mount



    Installed the shelf above it:





    And filled it with the only beverage we have in abundance here at the shop, maybe we'll get a new sponsor :








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