Step 8: Building the Base
Step 9: Water Proofing
Step 10: Adding the Finishing Touches, Handles, Chalk Board, & Rope Lid Support
more details here… (full instructions)
the compressor of your refrigerator is not design to work on the side! the oil wont came back and this nice idea will only work for a couple of week till it blow off
Fred…..it’s not going to be plugged in and used as a “frig”. All of the mechanics are removed. It’s a COOLER you put ice in then drain when melted.
i suppose that would be why we are using a BROKEN refrigerator.. and removing all the electronic parts.. and using it as a ICE chilled cooler… instead
Uh – the compressor was totally removed, the coolant drained and all mechanical parts disassembled prior to re-working as shown. It was a NON-WORKING fridge – and instead of being tossed into landfill, it has been up-cycled into something incredibly useful and beautiful.
Damn you fred! Why didn’t we think of that? Why couldn’t you tell me this BEFORE I laid my kitchen refrigerator on it’s side, and started sanding and painting it?!?
Article title… “How to turn and old BROKEN refrigerator into an awesome rustic COOLER…”
We have a lot of outdoor cushions and need a place to keep them out of the elements. This would be great outside water resistant storage.
That’s why they disassembled it.
I like the storage idea too. I guess you could do that when you are not using it as a cooler. Great idea Susan!
Thank you so much for this awesome tutorial and idea!
Our back fridge just died on us so I am going to start on this project this week just in time for Memorial Day Weekend and other upcoming Summer events.
Quick question – Do you keep this under roof when its not being used? I didn’t know if weather-proofing the wood would be a good idea.. Has anyone done this? If so, what product did you use?
Thanks!
Julie