SMC Discussion Areas

Soda Machines, Coolers & Dispensers => Pre 60's Machines & Coolers => Topic started by: 66GTO on December 13, 2014, 01:38:09 pm



Title: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: 66GTO on December 13, 2014, 01:38:09 pm
I'm happy to say that I'm finally finished with my GE Pepsi wet chest.  This project took me over 2 years to complete, and was a pain in the butt!  I uploaded several before/after pics to the Photo Gallery section of the website if anyone's interested. 

I managed to do everything on it except the lettering.  I purchased the stainless liner from a member here (JohnieG) long ago, taught myself how to weld along the way (had to repair the lower frame, and replace the underside metal skins of the doors.  Also learned to do some minor body work and even painted it in my garage.  Although not perfect, I am happy with how it turned out.  For future projects I think I'll just pay for someone else to do the paint/body.

Some more details:  Original belt drive refrigeration unit cleaned up and still working (replaced the AC motor), powder coated the liner to body trim frame and the agitator cover, and re chromed the handles and logo badge.  No one makes the body gasket that I could find, so I ended up reusing the original (scuffed and repainted with flexible body trim paint).

Although impractical for daily use, it's fun to run once and awhile, and show people what the wet coolers were like.  The rest of the time its just going to be for display.   


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: MaineT on December 13, 2014, 01:51:09 pm
Looks good! Nice to see something different get restored.


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: mygoose101 on December 13, 2014, 01:54:59 pm
Looks spectacular. Impressive work.


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: Jared on December 13, 2014, 02:07:01 pm
Looks great. That's my favorite Pepsi cooler. Awesome embossing


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: georgescustompaint on December 13, 2014, 02:39:43 pm
Great job ! Excellent job on detailing the compressor too !


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: ld26 on December 13, 2014, 03:00:38 pm
looks great! so cool that you learned how to do the work along the way too


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: SodaShopNick on December 13, 2014, 04:09:01 pm
Looks great.  That is really impressive with all the things you had to learn along the way.


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: Fire708 on December 14, 2014, 03:11:16 pm
Wow,
Looks really nice!


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: coke_and_stuff on December 14, 2014, 09:04:50 pm
Very nice restoration, I like all the embossing, and the original belt drive unit.


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: Kilroy on December 14, 2014, 10:03:57 pm
Loving it!


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: Smallblock on December 16, 2014, 07:58:28 pm
Nice work !! Love the colors!! 8)

Are the GTO now covered in blue dust from painting ?


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: 66GTO on December 16, 2014, 11:09:36 pm
Nice work !! Love the colors!! 8)

Are the GTO now covered in blue dust from painting ?

Funny but no.  I spent a solid weekend cleaning my shop after the painting was done though.  Not recommended.  :darn: Even when you think you've got things covered, the paints finds its way in.

Thanks everyone for the kind words.  I though I was done, but I'm still trying to dial in the thermostat settings, the agitator motor speed, and the agitator blade height to see what works best.  There's not much info out there.


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: Funtronics on December 17, 2014, 07:15:27 am
Looks great. Looks like a lot of hard work paid off.  :happydrinkers:


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: Jim on December 18, 2014, 08:14:58 pm
Very Nice Work ! ! !
Thanks for sharing !


Title: Re: GE Pepsi Wet Chest - Finally Finished!
Post by: BeaYoung on December 27, 2014, 10:23:18 am
Great job! If you need a place to store it, I offer up my rec room!!! LOL!