My build thread - old GE

[PrairieGeek]

Thanks to Slapaho for pointing out that I should include my build in a thread.

Background. My dad has had this fridge my whole life(41). It was his beer fridge. Worked great. You could set it outside in 95 degree sun and it would still make slushy beer if cranked up.
Well it finally died this past fall. I told him years ago when it dies I am building a smoker. So here we go. I brought it home. Tore it down, found serial # that says Jan '46. Started reading here how to do it right.
Planning on some type of external smokebox as I am going to do charcoal\wood and I would like to be able to cold smoke so I need to plan for some separation. Probably going to add a 110v element so I can smoke and dry inside.
So thanks for all that I am about to steal ideas from, and those that give tips along the way.

 

[PrairieGeek]

Just getting it home.

got the back off, proof of age - AC = Jan 1946, cool

Got help cleaning it up

Time to start designing how to do the inside.

 

[kruizer]

Photos are a necessary element of your build. But you know that.

 

[PrairieGeek]

Photos are a necessary element of your build. But you know that.

Perhaps I am too new. The reply where i put the pics says pending moderator approval. Let me know if they start showing up please.

 

[2008RN]

Welcome, There is a lot of information on this site. I just finished my 1951 GE fridge Smoker last September. I have over 20 smokes since then. Everything from cold smoke cheese and I did a pizza last night.

It was all of the information on this site at enabled me to get mine build. This site has opened a whole new world to me in smoking.

Here is my build:
https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/1951-ge-fridge-smoker-finally-working-part1.280271/


Have Fun

 

[PrairieGeek]

So in putting a list together for stuff I need to get.

What gauge for the door panel and the trim around the door opening? and does it need to be stainless or aluminum ok?
Dad always threw things together to make em work but I would like to do this a little better without going too overboard.

 

[PrairieGeek]

I decided I am going to gut the insulation and replace it. Looks like this one is held in only by 5 bolts, 1 in each corner and one top center of the door channel. Easy enough. Then I can address the rusty outer bottom panel easier too.

 

[smokerjim]

nice to get the kids involved, it's probably something they will always remember, they'll be talking 40 years from now(remember when we built that smoker with dad) good luck with the build

 

[PrairieGeek]

Well not what I wanted to see in the bottom but nothing that cant be dealt with I guess.

 

[PrairieGeek]

Insulation out

 

[PrairieGeek]

Well the bottom was worse than I thought so it came out and will be replaced with new steel. The bad part is the front bottom cross brace where the bottom of door seals need replaced to. That will be a little trickier to get right so I am set back a bit until I get materials and time to haul up to the shop for welding.

 

[PrairieGeek]

Bottom with new steel is coming right along now

 

[PrairieGeek]

Door is ready for season and paint. Now back to the cabinet

 

[PrairieGeek]

Been a busy day but lots of progress

 

[2008RN]

looking good, keep up the good work

 

[doubles shooter]

Looking good. I love my fridge build. Seeing your post brought back memories. It's fun especially if you have great helpers like you have. Soon you will be helping them build their own.

 

[Canadagrown]

Looks great. I’m hoping to get my build back on track this winter.

 

[PrairieGeek]

I am at my wits end. Trying to source the vent pipe and connectors for my design is miserable. I want some things that are for HVAC configuration but cant find non galvanized. Two places online wont ship to me and the local sources are zero. So now I will have to vinegar dip the parts season them. Good grief. Well maybe I'll get to burn in before snow flies

 

[PrairieGeek]

Well I quit fighting. Bought the galvanized stuff and am going to dip it then season it. Need to make progress

 

[PrairieGeek]