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My $15,000 Beer Cooler

Third From Texas

Well-known member
2,700
6,312
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Location
Corpus Christi Texas
I picked up one of those blood coolers at auction a few months back. Got it for a steal (they've gotten stupid expensive lately). I knew it was too large to really incorporate into my build, but I wanted it for the M1082 trailer (it's my "platform" to sit in the shade and watch bikinis, surfers, etc). And that is where the beer needs to be...

The cooler has a sort of false bottom. It's open to allow air circulation (there is no other opening). The internal shell that is screwed in is actually part of the cooling system (it has molded plastic flex cooling lines with sensors and some other bits attached to it). There are two rectangular cut outs that share a 1" plastic strip down the center. The whole thing isn't really designed with load bearing in mind, especially with the blood baskets removed. I wasn't about to just toss beer in there, so I came up with a plan.

I cut down three of the blood bag baskets so they sit just above the top of the internal-most shell to suspend a new bottom. Then I cut a 1/4" thick sheet of acrylic to fit and cut six holes into it for airflow (which rests on the trimmed baskets). Now I have a nice solid bottom to stack beverages, etc.

20210613_170704.jpg



Next I want to add some insulation (which there appears to be none). There isn't much space around the perimeter, so I'm thinking sheets of closed cell foam. The white, hinged lid appears hollow so that might accept a small layer of expanding foam (won't know until I disassemble).

I may add a spring or gas strut to hold the lid open but I don't think that there is anything sturdy enough to affix it to the inside. I'm looking at options. I may hinge the outer (green) box top (it currently just buckles down). *That* could then accept a little strut. Then use some webbing or something so when you open the outer lid, the inner white lid follows

There's even enough room on the battery side to add a small Bluetooth receiver/amp and a set of small speakers (LOL).

The thing is still stupid big and an Iceco from Amazon would have been more practical, but this was still cheaper and it's turning into a fun little project. At 180 lbs unloaded, I'll have to crane the damned thing into the trailer.

LOL
 

chucky

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
6,444
18,473
113
Location
TN .
I picked up one of those blood coolers at auction a few months back. Got it for a steal (they've gotten stupid expensive lately). I knew it was too large to really incorporate into my build, but I wanted it for the M1082 trailer (it's my "platform" to sit in the shade and watch bikinis, surfers, etc). And that is where the beer needs to be...

The cooler has a sort of false bottom. It's open to allow air circulation (there is no other opening). The internal shell that is screwed in is actually part of the cooling system (it has molded plastic flex cooling lines with sensors and some other bits attached to it). There are two rectangular cut outs that share a 1" plastic strip down the center. The whole thing isn't really designed with load bearing in mind, especially with the blood baskets removed. I wasn't about to just toss beer in there, so I came up with a plan.

I cut down three of the blood bag baskets so they sit just above the top of the internal-most shell to suspend a new bottom. Then I cut a 1/4" thick sheet of acrylic to fit and cut six holes into it for airflow (which rests on the trimmed baskets). Now I have a nice solid bottom to stack beverages, etc.

View attachment 836879



Next I want to add some insulation (which there appears to be none). There isn't much space around the perimeter, so I'm thinking sheets of closed cell foam. The white, hinged lid appears hollow so that might accept a small layer of expanding foam (won't know until I disassemble).

I may add a spring or gas strut to hold the lid open but I don't think that there is anything sturdy enough to affix it to the inside. I'm looking at options. I may hinge the outer (green) box top (it currently just buckles down). *That* could then accept a little strut. Then use some webbing or something so when you open the outer lid, the inner white lid follows

There's even enough room on the battery side to add a small Bluetooth receiver/amp and a set of small speakers (LOL).

The thing is still stupid big and an Iceco from Amazon would have been more practical, but this was still cheaper and it's turning into a fun little project. At 180 lbs unloaded, I'll have to crane the damned thing into the trailer.

LOL
For such a dangerous mission of fowrad observer of terrorist posing as hot tan bikinis clad insurgents no expence should be spared in the need to ascertain if the hostiles can be persuaded to remove said bikinis to ensure no maps or other intelligence are being smuglled into your area and many pictures should be forwarded to this location for further reveiw by senior analyst to identify . So full use of alcohol and other fact finding interagation technics are approved for you to pose as a mild manerd drunken beach bum with DEEP pockets and your code name will be (DIRTY OLD MAN) O.A.O.
 

chucky

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
6,444
18,473
113
Location
TN .
This is old data you must attain new intelligence for our analyst or you will be orderd back to the farm in maryland for re-education in spy craft ! carry on. Youve got to be wiling to go the extra mile for your country ive been on many missions where we were trying to infiltrate the strippers of all the major cities to extract top secret intell after thousands and thousands of lap dances in the vip rooms (INTERVEIWS) and interludes after hours in which we had to work in dangerous conditions and threat of arrest for prostitution i didnt sherk my responcability and duty to my country to do what i could to stamp out stripers and escorts rent not getting paid but im only one man so do what you can . O.A.O.
 
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chucky

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
6,444
18,473
113
Location
TN .
Great thinking camoflage as medicine the insurgent wont recognize the danger till its too late and youve got their picture on the way to HQ . GREAT fieldcraft i knew you could do it !!!!
 
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