Removing an ideal55 liner

[BryanH]

I've found several posts that say you cannot take the liner out of an Ideal55 because of the coiling coils being attached to the liner.  A single post says the coils aren't soldered but glued with that black tar stuff.  I'd really like to get the liner out so I can clean and paint the liner and hopefully (without taking the refrigeration out) clean and paint the compressor and copmressor area.

So, does anyone have first hand knowledge on whether or not you can get the liner out (and back in '> ) without cutting the refrigeration lines?  I'm hoping it's possible to pry the coils off the liner and lift the liner straight up and out.

Has anyone here done it?

[loman4ec]

I have never done it myself but it is my understanding that getting it out isn't hard, its getting it back in that is tricky.

[Jim]

If my memory serves me on this, you'll have to carefully bend the refrigeration lines while removing the condensor deck so you can drop the liner out. I think some have just cut the lines to make it easier to remove/replace the liner and then solder the lines back together and recharge the system.
As Josh has stated, once everything is painted, carefully putting the liner back in can be frustrating; especially since it's very close in size to the opening it has to fit through!

[audiobeer]

I don't know how you could possibly remove the liner in mine without cutting the lines. Mine was black tarred in there. If I had it all to do over again I would not have removed it. If your doing a complete detail restore and you have dents in the embossing you really have no choice. Recreating the lines is actually pretty easy....just a lot of soldering!

[MoonDawg]

Quote (BryanH @ Jan. 15 2006,9:02)

I'd really like to get the liner out so I can clean and paint the liner and hopefully (without taking the refrigeration out) clean and paint the compressor and copmressor area.

You won't be able to much better a job with the liner out of the machine as in place.  The compressor deck unbolts and is able to swing away from the machine while refrigeration system remains intact.

[BryanH]

Quote (MoonDawg @ Jan. 16 2006,2:38)

The compressor deck unbolts and is able to swing away from the machine while refrigeration system remains intact.

Glen, the line goes into the refrigeration area on the far left side.  If I swing the deck out 90 degrees won't it crimp or break the line?

[audiobeer]

My hat's off to you for trying. I did and it was the only way to refinish the cabinet and the bulkhead around the compressor unit. In the end putting it back together was just something I couldn't do without going nuts! Subbed that part out!

[aspbear]

I restored an ideal 55 and took the liner out.  You just have to be careful when you are taking it out not to crimp one of the refrigeration lines.  Mine was not tarred in  and it was just a matter of working it out a little at a time.  When I went to re install I used cardboard to hold the coils and insulation back while I put the liner back in place.   It was difficult but not undoable.  Also you can swing the refrigeration unit out from underneath the cabinet, you can not go 90 degrees but you can get it out far enough to re paint.

[MoonDawg]

Quote (BryanH @ Jan. 16 2006,2:58)

Glen, the line goes into the refrigeration area on the far left side.  If I swing the deck out 90 degrees won't it crimp or break the line?

Nope!   :'>

[BryanH]

Ok - That solves it. I've always been a supported of the "Go big or go home" motto so, the liner comes out over the weekend.  Thanks to everyone who posted replies.  I'll take pics and let you know in a few weeks whether it was a good idea or not.