Coca-Cola Cooler

[Rbrt]

Hello all, This is my first post and would like to say hi. Hi! Now next I wanted to share a few photos of an old Coke cooler that was given to me a few years back. As you can see from the attached photos, it's in pretty rough shape. Someone tried to repair it in the past and the paint has been (horribly) redone. But aside from all that, does anyone know anything about it? I can't seem to find any information about these coolers. Thanks for the help '>

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5864/dsc00045gh4.jpg

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/816/dsc00046dh7.jpg

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/5565/dsc00047ht1.jpg

[aspbear1]

Hi robert, I am not sure of the mfg. of your cooler but from the style it looks like a late 60's to early 70's cooler.  It really is not in that bad of shape,  if it was mine I would strip all of the paint and take all of the rust off the bottom with a wire brush or wire wheel on a drill.  You still have the basic shape and while the bottom is open I would get all of the old insulation out and replace it with a foam insulation, the inner liner looks to be in pretty good shape so you can do that easily.   I would then rebuild the bottom with fiberglass some the dents and edges with body filler sand and paint with a good acrylic enamel.   Dupont red centurion 48ah would be great and re do all of the emossed lettering with white sign lettering paint.  Nice cooler and it is a different style that is worth saving...

[johnieG]

Welcome to the site! It's a "Hemp" cooler. I have one thats unembossed, same style.  it's quite common in "generic" models sold by Sears hardeware, but even though this one is embossed, I'd say it's a bit pass saving , as you can see. the bottoms completely rotted away. if ypu look on ebay under "coke cooler" you'll find a copy of a reference guide book by Jeff Walters titled " The complete guide to Collectible Picnic coolers & Ice chests" that's a very valuble little book to have if you plan on collecting these.

[aspbear1]

johnieG is the expert but it all depends on how much the cooler means to you.  Just to let you know I restored one in much worse condition for Forrest Woods daughter that belonged to her father when he was just a fishing guide on the white river.   They had found it on the site of the first factory  for Ranger Boats and wanted it for sentimental value.  Forrest called me and said he knew fiberglass could make boats but not restore memories.  Like I say it is what it means to you...

[Rbrt]

Thanks for the info everyone. It doesn't have any sentimental value, so if I ever do restore it, it'll probably be far off into the future.