Cavalier C55-D - Cooling system conversion

[yann1ck]

Hi guys!

I'm new to the community and this is my first post. Before I begin, forgive me if you found some spelling mistakes, english is not my primary language!

I recently bought my first vintage coca-cola machine and I totally fell in love with it... It look great in my garage and it won't be my last vending machine! It's a 1961 Cavalier C55-D and everything is working on it except the cooling system because the fridge is not getting cold. The compressor and the fans seams to work fine and I think it might be a leak. I will need to call a professional to take a look at it to see what is the real problem.

Right now, I'm wondering if I call someone to repair the whole thing or if I change the entire cooling system for a newer version. What are you guys thinking? Any suggestions of what would be the best, cheapest and easiest way to fix this?

I also heard that the old system is taking a lot of energy... Will I save money on electricity if I convert all the cooling system? And on this kind of machine, is it preferable to keep all the original parts and fix the issue?

Thank you very much for your help
Yannick



Th

[Slapshot42]

Welcome to the Site!

In many cases a cooling system over time with leak causing all of the freon ( r-12) to leak from the system.  If your are able to find a service technician that has access to R-12 Freon Refrigerant you could have the unit serviced.  If you are living in the U.S. geographically somebody might be able to have provide you with a contact for servicing the unit.


If you are going to remove the system for service, shipping, maintenance, etc;

You can build a small stand out of 1x2 or 2x4 wood and some OSB as a bottom plate or any scrap wood laying around your garage.  Measure the cabinet height and be very careful removing the unit from the machine as you will notice following the copper line from the condenser up to the evaporator they are connected.  

I use the OSB and a bottom plate about 4x4 and a 1x2 or 2x4 on each side vertically of the side of each bottom plate with one 2x4 going across.  You will set the lower compressor on the bottom plate and the evaporator will set on the 2x4 going across.

As far as upgrading the unit for any added efficiency and cost savings I would say it's not going to make a big difference. It's always recommended that you replace the wiring harness, both fan motors, and fan blades, and thermostat.  This will provide you will good piece of mind and maximum perfomrance from the cooling system.

[yann1ck]

Thank you very much for all the informations, it's very appreciated! 

I think I will go with your suggestion because I really want this machine to work properly! Do you know how much approximately it could cost for a service/maintenance on this cooling system + changing the parts that you mentioned? (worst case scenario)

[johnieG]

Keep in mind that your cooling system in your Cavalier 55-D looks nothing like the one pictured above, but the basic principle of the shipping stand is a very good Idea, as is replacing all of the major electrical components mentioned in the prior posting, in addition, a modern compressor will indeed be more energy efficient, plus this would allow the system to be converted to Eco-friendly refrigerant R134A.   I'd replace the compressor, its darn near 60 years old anyway, spray paint doesn't restore the compressor, it just makes a shiny black brick.

[Slapshot42]

The picture was only intended to be used as a visual aid.  I have seen many quality restorations with original compressors that have been serviced, painted, etc.  So I'm guessing opinions will vary ...

[cohammer]

Just my two cents if you are able to remove your old cooling unit be on the lookout for another unit . I have came across them in many ways but check with your local refridgeration guys or maybe another newer machine that comes cheap as a donor. Most of the time same compressor same wiring will have alot of the same problems.

[johnieG]

A Cavalier 55D's compressor assembly is unique mainly due to the Evaporator setup & the compact nature of the chassis, so, you'd be looking for an identical machine if you were planing to swap the decks around. and the used unit would still be, well... used, ( make sure it works before buying a donor parts machine)

[MoonDawg]

       Have you explored this option?
     http://www.ebay.com/itm/cavalier-coke-machine-/121728228224?hash=item1c57915b80:g:RAcAAOSwu4BVyi2Q

[johnieG]

Yikes! That poor thing is a wreak! Plus the compressor deck is stuffed backwards into the condensor faces forward on a 55D.  But it is cheap!

[yann1ck]

Like "JohnieG" said, this machine look like a wreak and it would be expensive to ship it where I am in Montreal, Canada! I called a service technician this morning to come and see the cooling system. I will wait to see if he can fix it and if not, I will convert the whole system to a new one with R134A.

I know there is not a lot of place in this machine, but I'm sure I would be able to fit a new compressor, condenser and evaporator if needed since everything is smaller by those days! Hopefully, I will be lucky with the evaporator because I have the feeling that it has been already replaced. It don't look as old as the rest of the other components!

[ajf5577]

This will be a learning experience for me as well because I have never messed with compressors. Is it possible that a replacement compressor could be attached to the existing evaporator? I realize the lines would need to be vacuumed, recharged, etc, or is it necessary to replace the entire works in one procedure?

[johnieG]

Well, Yes, of course you could have the old compressor replaced on your existing deck.  

It's the best option as opposed to sticking a old used unit back into your machine, not the cheapest option granted, but the optimum choice for a reliable repair.

[MoonDawg]

      Well stated Johnie!

[johnieG]

All they needed was a shot of Freon!

My scrap pile of compressors to date for 2016.

[yann1ck]

Haha... Nice scrap pile! Looks like you replaced a lot of compressors! Which new model would you suggest putting in a C-55D in term of spec?! Any preference or suggestion?

When you say "all they needed was a shot of freon", are you saying that these compressors are still working and must of the time the problem was the freon? I'm asking because my compressor seems to work and the evaporator too... The condenser look rusty, so I might be loosing freon from there! Should I try changing the Freon before anything else?!

[johnieG]

Sigh, I say, I say,  I made a funny son and it flew right by Ya!

[yann1ck]

Hahaha... Sorry johnieG! Like I said, english is not my primary language and sometime i'm reading too fast.

So what would be your model suggestion for a not too expensive new condensing unit?

[yann1ck]

I just found a condensing unit and I was wondering if it would fit in my C55-D... It's a Tecumseh 1/6 Hp Condensing unit - Refrigerant R134  (AE500AT-048-P2). Here is a picture...

[johnieG]

Generally, you would have to measure the base plate & compare it to your originals dimensions ( width x depth plus the over-all height)   The compartment into which it fits is really very compact, so you may need to have the new components transplanted onto the old deck plate. 1/6 to 1/8 HP should be sufficient power provided the BTU ratings are similar. 

[cohammer]

Well said Johnie , I know what you mean I have 6 Ice machines sitting in the way in my garage and they just need a shot of freon, a switch, thermostat and like all things I am ready to throw them away because of their age . Just find the best , newest replacement compressor or deck you can find and make it last another 20 years.