SMC Discussion Areas

Having trouble so if this is a double post sorry. Anyhoo, does not look to be in bad shape, paint is faded but does not have rust/dents/significant scratches. Seal is rock hard needs replaced. Have never done a restore, don't have the equip (gun, compressor, etc) so not sure if I should sell as is or attempt anything. Obviously a newb here so any and all advice is much appreciated. Also, it appears to be missing some sort of bracket on the back as one side is there other side looks to have spot welds where the missing one should be. There is a hole near the seal in the back that I have no idea what it is for. I will post a few times to get all the pics and the hole will show up on at least one. The tag is very hard to read but made out this ser # 1526765 and the little silver tag reads 643 in stamped #'s.
Thanks Morgan

More

Looks like a Westinghouse Master.... 1930s-40s... there maybe an embossing along the inside edge of the tub
which could give you a year it was made... missing the lids...  There were 1000's of these made Coke's Workhorse for sure. Check eBay as without lids I can't really make a price call.

With lid

More more...

I would say that the hole and bracket on the back in the last pics indicate that there was a water bath unit in this cooler.The 43 in 643 could possibly be 1943.

Yes the cooler is missing the compressor, evaporator, and circulator motor and impeller. Thats a lot of missing parts.

I picked it up for $50, was it worth it? I just have no idea.

heck yes it was. Thats a great deal. The lids are worth double that. even though its missing the cooling system it s still a great cooler. They are common but they are good looking and very functional.

So what's it worth (approx)? Just trying to figure out, should I keep it/should I sell it?

Lids are worth around $100... an original cap catcher will bring $75+
but it missing the compressor and items... I'm guessing $200? buff it, keep it and use it
great on the deck/patio for holding cold beverages during BBQs!

How does one go about finding/fabricating the rubber seal?

I'm not sure if Funtronics or Soda Jerk works sell a repro gasket for this cooler? but worth a phone call.. worse case scenaranio, I'm sure something similiar could be found..
but then again if your not going to have a refrideration unit inside the chest, the seal doesn't mean much anyway.. as you'd just be filling with ice and using it for parties.. it' not like your trying to "Seal" in cool air..

Its really worth what someone is willing to pay. But I would say $175 to $250 range if the lids are good and not rusted out.

If the seal could be had for cheap I will snag it as I prolly am not keeping it. I like the look and all but don't have room. In the next week or 2 if the weather breaks a bit I will see how the paint will clean up, if it looks much better I will take some "after" photos. Casters need some attention (maybe just oil or a touch of grease?) as they don't roll worth a darn, just squeal really loud and drag a bit but no rust. Neat looking piece tho.

I would definitely keep it, the original lids look like their in good condition which is usually hard to find. Any of these that I have seen have the lids rotted to almost nothing!