Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: BrianB on March 02, 2005, 07:51:02 am
What a great day I had on monday! I went to go pick up my new shelf for my Cavalier 55D. The old shelf (that's what I call the piece of metal that seperates the refrigeration deck from the liner) was totally trashed and needed to be replaced. The guy that did the work is a Menonite that lives south of me by about an hour, but only about 15 minutes from where I work! I was kinda apprehensive about what the quality would be and how it would fit. The only reason I was a little bit weary was because I had a pretty bad experience with another fabricating shop here in So. Indiana. To make a long story short, I picked the part up and b.s.'d with the guy for awhile and made my way home to see if it would fit properly.....It fit like a GLOVE!! I couldn't have asked for a better fit! Here are some before and after pictures:
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: BrianB on March 02, 2005, 07:53:54 am
Here's the after!
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: BrianB on March 02, 2005, 07:56:01 am
Here's a side by side comparison:
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: loman4ec on March 02, 2005, 08:47:49 am
Wow can I ask what he charged?
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: on March 02, 2005, 09:36:38 am
Wow! What a great resource you found. I sense the beginning of a beautiful friendship. 
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: BrianB on March 02, 2005, 10:41:07 am
I was astonished at the price....$50!! I took the original to him on the 25th of February and went on travel for a week and when I got back, it was done. I shot the primer just to keep it rust-free until I spotweld it into place.
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: Bob K on March 02, 2005, 12:56:24 pm
That's pretty amazing. I must start looking for a menonite dude of my own...
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: Eric on March 04, 2005, 04:16:53 pm
Heck! for that price if I ever need anything can I send it to you for him to make?
He could have quite a line up of work just through here.... and We pay to ship it there and back!
He could have quite a line up of work just through here.... and We pay to ship it there and back!
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: BrianB on March 04, 2005, 09:20:18 pm
Eric - Sure thing! In fact I had a great conversation with Tom (the fabricator) the other day about good business practices and he mentioned to me that he relies on word of mouth. I told him that the biggest problmes I have encountered since I started fooling around with soda pop machines wasn't locating somebody to do the work but somebody that was not only turning a good product but was also timely and RELIABLE!! If you say your gonna call....CALL!!! Don't fool around with me, If you can't do the job and do it well and have it done when promised, save me the trouble. Tom agreed with me and says that he makes it a point of pride that he delivers on time and if he doesn't (rarely happens) it had better be because something serious happened.
So, I have to go see him on Monday to pick-up my refrigeration deck mounts from him. I'm sure he'll be super receptive to the idea and I'll ask him what he needs to do specific jobs (spec. sheet/dimenions/drawing) I know when I first called him, he said just a basic drawing and dimensions are good enough. Mind you though, he does not own a spot welder. He seems to make do without one though! Let me know what you think.
So, I have to go see him on Monday to pick-up my refrigeration deck mounts from him. I'm sure he'll be super receptive to the idea and I'll ask him what he needs to do specific jobs (spec. sheet/dimenions/drawing) I know when I first called him, he said just a basic drawing and dimensions are good enough. Mind you though, he does not own a spot welder. He seems to make do without one though! Let me know what you think.
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: BryanH on March 04, 2005, 10:37:41 pm
Brian - I'd be interested in what he would charge for a set of legs for my VMC56. Pretty simple job - 3 bolts holes to secure the leg to the base of the machine and a bolt for the leveller on the bottom. Just needs to be strong not necessarily identical. Would be willing to let him get creative if he felt so inclined.
I've been meaning to look locally but seems like your guy might be just as easy?
I've been meaning to look locally but seems like your guy might be just as easy?
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: BryanH on March 07, 2005, 03:56:37 pm
Brian - the need for new legs has disappeared. Let the other 3 legs sit in CLR over the weekend. The soaking and a little torgue finally freed them up.
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: BrianB on March 08, 2005, 07:35:41 am
That's great to hear! If any of you guys do need anything fabricated and are at your wits end, let me know, I might be able to help you out!
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: on March 08, 2005, 08:10:36 am
A nice offer Brian, thanks.
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: Eric on March 08, 2005, 01:34:00 pm
He would do well making lids for junior and standard size Westinghouse type coolers!
Have you seen the prices on some of these repros?! Wow
And I'm in need of a cap catcher for a Quikold cooler too.
He could find extra work through here no doubt... just finding an originial to work from.
Have you seen the prices on some of these repros?! Wow
And I'm in need of a cap catcher for a Quikold cooler too.
He could find extra work through here no doubt... just finding an originial to work from.
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: loman4ec on March 08, 2005, 02:35:40 pm
I have passed on a few westinghouse coolers due to missing or rusted out lids. The repro's dont fit right, so I have heard.
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: BrianB on March 08, 2005, 03:12:19 pm
Josh - Concerning the Westinghouse lids, that kinda' sucks! I heard the same thing from a guy in Anderson, IN when I picked up my Pepsi Machine from him.
I'm actually kinda torn today. Happy on one side and bummed on the other. Happy because I'm going to do the final install on the new shelf for my 55D and kinda bummed because I was expecting to pick up my refrigeration deck mounts today from Mr. Tom Graber (Mennonite Fabricator Dude, A.K.A., "MFD") but he has been out sick since yesterday. I was hoping to get all of that wrapped up today after work. Well, I guess getting that shelf installed will have to be enough! I'm really psyched!!
I'm actually kinda torn today. Happy on one side and bummed on the other. Happy because I'm going to do the final install on the new shelf for my 55D and kinda bummed because I was expecting to pick up my refrigeration deck mounts today from Mr. Tom Graber (Mennonite Fabricator Dude, A.K.A., "MFD") but he has been out sick since yesterday. I was hoping to get all of that wrapped up today after work. Well, I guess getting that shelf installed will have to be enough! I'm really psyched!!
Title: New shelf for my cavalier 55d
Post by: Eric on March 08, 2005, 05:17:26 pm
Yeah lids are tough... I've heard since they are reproducing the Westinghouse Junior they may also carry the embossed lids and the cap catcher (rounded bottom) Just haven't seen or heard anything for sure yet. Until that happens would be nice to find another source and maybe a better price. But yeah I've also passed on chest/coolers that have bad or no lids
and not just the Westinghouse models a Pepsi cooler (General Electric) has the same type lid
as does the Quikolds..... too thin of metal on those.....
and not just the Westinghouse models a Pepsi cooler (General Electric) has the same type lid
as does the Quikolds..... too thin of metal on those.....