How to Restore a Antique / Vintage Fridge 1940 General Electric [Phoenix Fabrications]

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  • Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
  • How to Restore a Vintage/Retro Fridge [Phoenix Fabrications]
    1948 General Electric Refrigerator
    THANK YOU FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
    $50 Shell Gas Card Give-Away at 250 Subscribers! Details to come!!!
    Hi All!
    Thanks for coming by today! I cannot tell you how amazed I am at how this turned out! Come learn how I restored this awesome fridge! This style makes for the best Man Cave or Shop fridge!
    2:59 Paint process
    7:13 Reassembly begins
    17:50 Finished product!
    Track day next week?!
    I hope you are having a wonderful day!
    Instagram: www.instagram....
    Soon we are going to be streaming to Twitch! Join us there!
    / phoenixfabrication
    All music from Epidemic Sound
    #Vintage / #Retro / #HowTo / #refrigerator / #PhoenixFab / #Cars / #Love / #BecauseRaceCar / #BuiltnotBought / #WildWhip / #Subaru / #driving / #Autocross / #TimeAttack / #PDX / #Love / #Turbo / #boxer / #TheyDeserveIt / #GeneralElectric / #antique / #oldschoolcool

КОМЕНТАРІ • 110

  • @phoenixfabrications6432
    @phoenixfabrications6432  4 роки тому +12

    Should I restore a Vintage Candy Vending Machine to put next to it? Or would you like to see me make these and resell them?

    • @BWYinYang
      @BWYinYang 4 роки тому +2

      Yes and put next to it.

    • @danjewett8102
      @danjewett8102 4 роки тому +2

      Candy machine!

    • @overdosed51
      @overdosed51 3 роки тому

      You should try to find an old double door or Philco fridge. Not much online about them

    • @llam8394
      @llam8394 2 роки тому

      Do a vintage cooking stove to go with the fridge.

    • @gladysmaenorris2916
      @gladysmaenorris2916 Рік тому

      Was this automotive paint you used? It's beautiful!

  • @SDRIFTERAbdlmounaim
    @SDRIFTERAbdlmounaim 3 роки тому +7

    first time i see someone excited about a *fridge* as if it's a 1930s ford hot rod project 🤣

  • @joeschlotthauer840
    @joeschlotthauer840 3 роки тому +10

    *Please do more of these, this is perfect for us car/truck guys that spend quite a bit of time in our garages. Would like to see the freezer portion removed on your next restoration, because these were never on a defrost cycle. I chipped a lot of ice as a kid, defrosting these things...*

  • @antbonyziemiak208
    @antbonyziemiak208 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for sharing this. My 1948 G.E. looks exactly like yours, except it’s white. America made the most beautiful and long lasting refrigerators ever made anywhere. I’m lucky enough to have the shelves and drawers and meat tray . All chrome metal. My was made in Bridgeport Connecticut, 1948. Still runs.

  • @brewerbentley6014
    @brewerbentley6014 2 роки тому +4

    Yours may be a little newer by a year, but I have that exact same fridge. I have the bottom drawer and the bottom shelf. My dad bought it used for $50 in 1971. Runs like a top and we use it every day. Great job on that one.

  • @mc-ec3bu
    @mc-ec3bu 3 роки тому +5

    "I am super excited about this project" Oh dear oh dear.

  • @cheatingdeathcustoms2244
    @cheatingdeathcustoms2244 3 роки тому +5

    Amazing work!!! Glad to see restorations and not just throwing things away because they're old.

  • @evanalexan
    @evanalexan 3 роки тому +4

    Your presentation skills and this video deserve WAY more attention. I'm so glad you detailed the exact painting process, this is exactly what I was looking for.

  • @PDBreske
    @PDBreske 2 роки тому +3

    I just picked up a very similar vintage fridge (for FREE) and I'm excited to restore it. Mine has more rust than yours, but no dents and it does still work like new. Yours is missing the same shelves/drawers as mine, but I do have the bottom drawer. Sadly, the bottom drawer is nearly useless without a shelf above it, but it's better than nothing, I suppose. Thanks for the insight!

  • @anthonyshurburn7560
    @anthonyshurburn7560 9 місяців тому +1

    This turned out absolutely beautiful. I would love to have one in a metallic orange.

  • @edgarriver6883
    @edgarriver6883 2 роки тому +2

    Great video just got a fridge so excited to restore 1950s ge

    • @michelleshorey1399
      @michelleshorey1399 8 місяців тому

      I was gifted a 1950 General Motors Frigidaire for Christmas. We have been trying to figure out what to set the one dial on. We had it on 1 but everything froze in the fridge. Been trying to find info on it but am falling short. The dial I believe has #1-5 and the A B C on it. Turned it to2 but it started running so figured it would make it colder. Would appreciate any help you could give!

    • @edgarriver6883
      @edgarriver6883 8 місяців тому +1

      @@michelleshorey1399 the dial is probably a thermostat that turns compressor on and off based on temp the thermostat probably went bad

    • @michelleshorey1399
      @michelleshorey1399 8 місяців тому

      Thank you for responding!

  • @rmorris1904
    @rmorris1904 2 роки тому +1

    I own a like-new Brown version of your fridge. It works really well, except for the electrical line shorted with my power and made a little fire in the cord. I'm looking for someone who can replace the cord, and install a grounded cord.
    Your video was very inspirational!!

  • @pro5p3c7or1
    @pro5p3c7or1 2 роки тому +1

    Excelent video, after watching this makes me want to go and buy a vintage Fridge

  • @sharonanderson7433
    @sharonanderson7433 2 роки тому +1

    Beautiful fridge!

  • @neohistoryfan1014
    @neohistoryfan1014 3 роки тому +2

    I have this exact fridge in my basement, only it's white.

  • @anthonybruno2069
    @anthonybruno2069 Рік тому +2

    Totally Amazing ! Really well done… Congratulations!

  • @michelvandebeek3697
    @michelvandebeek3697 3 роки тому +3

    Very nice video, and a beautiful refrigerator, I am from the Netherlands and I have a similar GE refrigerator from 1947, I don't know how it came here from the US, and I don't know it's history but it's original and still running after 74 years, greetings from the Netherlands.

  • @karenleboeuf8010
    @karenleboeuf8010 2 роки тому +1

    That is amazing times a million. So I’m living in Costa Rica. I’m repainting my little fridge red. Probably not going to work to your extent, but I’m going to follow most of what you did. Great team work

  • @michaelharrison500
    @michaelharrison500 2 роки тому +2

    Brilliant job
    We are in the process of resurrecting a early 50’s Westinghouse fridge in Australia

    • @traceybrown1406
      @traceybrown1406 Рік тому

      How did yours come out? I have an early 50's freezer and fridge (both westinghouse) which I plan to restore. Am in the process of doing research.....

    • @michaelharrison500
      @michaelharrison500 Рік тому

      @@traceybrown1406 it came out ok
      Only a rattle can paint job to match the shed decor
      It works really well
      I have a new seal to put on the door
      I have been looking for a few cosmetic items like a shelf and the door handle cover to no avail so far
      Otherwise we love it and others used for cold drinks and ice creams

  • @davesusek3330
    @davesusek3330 Рік тому +1

    You guys did a great job on the fridge and video thank you.

  • @jamesdemuro5923
    @jamesdemuro5923 2 місяці тому

    Great work 👌Cool

  • @Jlparris20
    @Jlparris20 2 роки тому +1

    Subbed for sure, love the attitude, wife/gf was very supportive and sweet, excited to see what you do next

  • @Chevroldsmobuiac
    @Chevroldsmobuiac 4 роки тому +4

    We have a 1947 model GE that is very similar to this one. My grandparents bought the unit when they originally had electricity run to their home. The amazing thing was that the unit was still running after both of my grandparents passed away in 1983 and 1994. Amazing that someone could own a refrigerator their whole adult life and it actually outlives them. This is a foreign concept in our disposable, planned obsolescence culture. They don't make 'em like they used to.

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  4 роки тому +4

      I have read the compressors are rated for 300 years.

    • @brahtrumpwonbigly7309
      @brahtrumpwonbigly7309 3 роки тому +2

      I just rescued a 40's model Gibson fridge from a coworker who was bringing it to the dump. I told him I couldn't believethat the compressor was bad so I plugged it in and it started right up. It appears that the fan that circulates the air is the only issue and it's sat for 15 years. I'm about to go all in and being this thing back.

    • @carolinafister8955
      @carolinafister8955 Рік тому

      How did your restoration go? I just won a 1940 gibson for $2 in an estate sell and am about to restore it.

  • @douro20
    @douro20 3 роки тому +3

    Nice to see the original FEA-style cooling unit in the bottom. This was one of the first GE products to use R-12 refrigerant.

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  3 роки тому +1

      You know more than me about it then. Whats the benefit

    • @rmorris1904
      @rmorris1904 2 роки тому

      I have this refrigerator too in Brown, please say more about the coolant?

    • @douro20
      @douro20 2 роки тому +2

      ​@@rmorris1904 R-12 is a nontoxic and highly efficient refrigerant which replaced SO2 in many hermetic/semi-hermetic refrigerators in the late 1940s and was in common use up until the crazy environmentalists banned its use in the early 1990s. It was developed in the laboratories at General Motors and was first used in Frigidaire refrigerators in the early 1930s. GE continued using SO2 up until 1942 when the patent expired and Dupont was allowed to supply it to other manufacturers.

    • @rmorris1904
      @rmorris1904 2 роки тому +1

      @@douro20 very interesting, thank you! I agree environmentalists are mostly nutz, think EV cars, smh!

  • @Marc-pb7wz
    @Marc-pb7wz 3 роки тому +3

    Awesome restoring job! it looks really great! btw your wife is gorgeous

  • @hokieinidaho
    @hokieinidaho 2 роки тому +2

    Excellent job! You and the Mrs. are a great team. Loved the jam tunes as well. Just need a little bit better mic and/or mix of volume between the narration and tunes

  • @joestein1144
    @joestein1144 3 місяці тому

    you did a great job retorosting this ridge... please know they are deadly to childern playing hide and seek... its the reason those type of latches are no longer used...

  • @joshhayden9895
    @joshhayden9895 4 роки тому +3

    Great job ! I’ve got one just like it that I have been needing to restore. The door seal information was very helpful. Thank you.

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  4 роки тому

      Thank you! I am glad this helped! Please message me on social media if you have any questions along the way!

  • @stevenbuoni3071
    @stevenbuoni3071 4 місяці тому

    Cool fridge! Turned out really nice.

  • @elizabethfaraone
    @elizabethfaraone 3 роки тому +2

    We’re giving away a 1937 Kelvinator refrigerator. Rusty but operates beautifully. They built it to last. No planned obsolescence.

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  3 роки тому

      Its True! Want me to redo it? Are you doing a charity give away?

    • @elizabethfaraone
      @elizabethfaraone 3 роки тому

      @@phoenixfabrications6432 Yes. Do you live near North Plainfield, NJ. It has to be moved out of the house today. Call me at 732-841-6694.

  • @danjewett8102
    @danjewett8102 4 роки тому +2

    Keep up the good work! Great video!

  • @NitrousDiecast
    @NitrousDiecast 3 місяці тому

    Wow, this looks great!

  • @posttopstreetlight1055
    @posttopstreetlight1055 3 роки тому +2

    That fridge looks so good compared to the modern garbage of to day that fridge is made in the U.S.A.

    • @rmorris1904
      @rmorris1904 2 роки тому

      Indeed, we need to get back to manufacturing and purchasing our own products here!

  • @rickycano3245
    @rickycano3245 3 роки тому +1

    I have a very similar fridge sitting in the garage but its inop but this makes me want to get it going

  • @dolittledr
    @dolittledr 3 місяці тому

    man dont be such a selfish, the lady helped you as much as you worked on that and you are still I, I, I, I

  • @josesalazar7378
    @josesalazar7378 Рік тому

    His garage looks like a serial killers basement 😂😂😂

  • @ParkerVidoes
    @ParkerVidoes 7 місяців тому

    Love the process and the color choice! What paint sprayer you using? Just wondering if my compressor would handle it. Great job!

  • @dave11686
    @dave11686 4 роки тому +1

    Awesome!

  • @johnanderson1254
    @johnanderson1254 3 роки тому +1

    Dang man that fridge is gorgeous! I’d be tempted to add a Coca Cola symbol to that Ferrari red though😂 I’m trying to find a fridge right now to do the same thing to. Hopefully I come up lucky!

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  3 роки тому

      Check facrbook marketplace, its where I found mine, and I can always find them there, anytime I look. Thanks!!

  • @Delco1946
    @Delco1946 Рік тому +1

    Looks nice. I would suggest for folks not to use spray foam as any future repairs will be a nightmare as you have to dig it all out. 😅

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  Рік тому

      That's why I ran cable conduit before the spray foam, I can re-wire without digging it all out.

  • @motodrew295
    @motodrew295 3 роки тому

    Nice work! Have the same one from my grandpa’s man-cave. Needed some Inspo and yours looks awesome.

  • @Sanity_Faire
    @Sanity_Faire 2 роки тому +1

    stopping by to say I found that same interior freezer door today and have listed it in my ebay store if anyone is searching

  • @llam8394
    @llam8394 2 роки тому

    That is gorgeous! Maybe consider doing some for other people?

  • @user-ex4jr5rs4s
    @user-ex4jr5rs4s Рік тому +1

    Did I miss the part about the logo? Where did you get that done. It looks fantastic. I just got the same unit and I look forward to doing a similar restoration.

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  Рік тому

      No, you're right, I forgot to include that because I did that at a far earlier time than the rest of this. I hand painted it with model car paint, and by hand.

  • @sowhaticamp4993
    @sowhaticamp4993 3 місяці тому

    Painted the floor red haha

  • @chaosanddeity4868
    @chaosanddeity4868 4 роки тому +1

    Great video quality! especially for such a small creator, good stuff!

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  4 роки тому

      Thank you! I am still learning. Anything I could have done better?

    • @chaosanddeity4868
      @chaosanddeity4868 4 роки тому

      @@phoenixfabrications6432 one thing, the music at 9:47 was quite loud but apart from that it's great

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  4 роки тому +1

      Yes... I will work on things like this more closely. you are the 2nd or 3 person to tell me this. thank you. Its a lot of editting and small things you want to fix get lost in the plethora of things to do.

  • @louisel9090
    @louisel9090 2 роки тому

    This is such a great video. Do you have any videos for GE Lazy Susan refrigerators? I know the top shelf is a fixed one, but one of my other shelves won't rotate and another won't lock. I want to take it apart and work on it, but I'm not that experienced with working on the shelves. Thank you.

  • @evanolson7253
    @evanolson7253 6 місяців тому

    I am attempting to restore mine right now but never have done it before. Trying to figure out how to take the handle off of the front? No pin that I see. Would love to pick your brain on this thing!

  • @traceybrown1406
    @traceybrown1406 Рік тому

    Love this video and is exactly what I was looking for. I have a Westinghouse set (freezer amd fridge) that i desperately want to restore properly. Can you point me in the right direction of where I might start learning the process from step 1 as a total beginner?

  • @ChristopherBooth12
    @ChristopherBooth12 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the video restoration. I have a very similiar fridge perhaps within a few years old. used your suggested link to get the gasket, thank you. Any leads on where to get a new door for the freezer box?

  • @jesshill1007
    @jesshill1007 7 місяців тому

    Cool restoration project! BTW, what is the name of the instrumental playing during the first five seconds in the opening of this video? I know the publisher is Epidemic Sound….🤔

  • @dylanlemay7088
    @dylanlemay7088 4 роки тому +2

    Great job! Is there a reason you didn't use an appliance epoxy? Used that on a keezer project and it was ezpz with a shiny finish.

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  4 роки тому +2

      Thank you! I did not know of appliance epoxy. I also wanted to start learning how to use 2-stage paints similar to a car so this was direct practice for painting a car.

  • @kashbrown4649
    @kashbrown4649 3 місяці тому

    I'm curious how much it cost to get the handle rechromed?

  • @randywright8575
    @randywright8575 3 місяці тому

    Why no info on the condition and installation of the compressor?

  • @chefzo6003
    @chefzo6003 2 роки тому +1

    How many hours do you estimate it took you to finish the project? I'm retired and wonder if it is something I could do in two or three weeks.

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  2 роки тому

      This project took me about 300 hours, however, I was learning how to paint and made a lot of mistakes in that process.

  • @breeannakiser9177
    @breeannakiser9177 Рік тому

    Where did you get the rubber for the fridge?

  • @trinitylcmsdothan5262
    @trinitylcmsdothan5262 2 роки тому

    What refrigerant does it use and how did you take it apart without losing the charge? I have been thinking about re-insulating ours with great stuff.

  • @leahcim38
    @leahcim38 5 місяців тому

    So now that you have spray foam the inside How do you work on the thermostat or any of the Electrical if there was an issue?

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  5 місяців тому

      I ran wire loom before I filled it so I can re-wire it. thats pretty much the only thing inside internally is wiring.
      I explain that in the vid

  • @bioniclearchives
    @bioniclearchives 3 роки тому +2

    Hey man, I've got this same fridge and I'm restoring mine! How do those side strips of the interior come out? The ones your wife polished where the door latch comes out of the fridge and the other side. Also, do you have a link to the door latch you bought? Mine is also broken

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  3 роки тому +1

      Hi! You first have to remove the top and bottom pieces the ones that are held in by the screws. Then very carefully you have to bend the piece and slide it out. As for the latch I found it on eBay however I just did a search for it again and did not find another that's why I mentioned that it took me a year to rebuild this. That being said American appliance the place I got the weather strip from has these Refrigerators and I might try giving them a call to see they'll sell you a latch. I hope this helps and if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to message me here or on any of my social media accounts.

    • @bioniclearchives
      @bioniclearchives 3 роки тому +1

      @@phoenixfabrications6432 thank you so much! I've been in the process myself now for in total about a year, just on and off

  • @trujillo184
    @trujillo184 3 роки тому

    I have one like this and working on restoring it. Can you tell me how to remove the door handle please. Thanks

  • @nessie7383
    @nessie7383 3 роки тому

    Can anyone help? I have an 1990 glass door 7 up machine.. I want to restore it.. but this pop machine is only for 12oz cans.. and the can placement is at a 30degree angle slop.. no racks.. My question is can I replace the inner liner and just put flat racks to fit the size of can I want? If so.. is there a video you did or someone you know who replaced inside liner before? Thanks for the help

  • @williambates7149
    @williambates7149 Рік тому +1

    What part number is the door seal

  • @thomasandrews9355
    @thomasandrews9355 4 роки тому

    STI eh? I run a 2018 WRX with bolt ons. Next episode: "Rebuilding her EJ257 short block" =)

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  4 роки тому

      You need a new engine in the '18 Thomas?!

    • @thomasandrews9355
      @thomasandrews9355 4 роки тому

      @@phoenixfabrications6432 lol no I was poking fun at how fragile the ej257 is. My car is fa20.

  • @thomasandrews9355
    @thomasandrews9355 4 роки тому

    Great video, I'm so tired of non-narrated restore videos. One small thing, get a pop filter but otherwise I love this!

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  4 роки тому

      I am so glad you enjoyed it. We had a ton of fun making the fridge and video. I am going to invest in a dedicated wireless mic very soon! I think the pops you are referring to is the voice over section while I was painting? If so its my blue yeti mic fault...and I will get a pop filter for that too. Thank you so much for the advice!

    • @thomasandrews9355
      @thomasandrews9355 4 роки тому

      @@phoenixfabrications6432 yeah a sock over it can help too far cheaper haha

    • @phoenixfabrications6432
      @phoenixfabrications6432  4 роки тому

      @@thomasandrews9355 hahaha pop filters are cheap. Its that dedicated RODE wireless mic that stings more XD lol

  • @jerrycallaio5130
    @jerrycallaio5130 3 місяці тому

    Great Restoration But IMO.... Light Green Or Light Blue Would Look Much Better Than Blood Red. Also Something Very Sexy About This Dude!😜😜😜

  • @UQRXD
    @UQRXD Рік тому

    I stopped watching the blasting music. I have to, as much as liked it down vote for that reason.

  • @bryansexton8276
    @bryansexton8276 Рік тому

    Why keep the latch system on the refurbished refrigerator? There's a reason those latches were made illegal in new refrigerators in the mid 1950's. Children would get inside, the door would latch behind them, and the kids would suffocate inside without being able to get out. I remember it being a problem in the 60's and 70's mostly with older refrigerators many not running that were moved into garages. Every now and then there would be TV news stories about dead children found inside them. There are ways of retrofitting safer systems to keep doors closed.