Retrofitting/Modernizing a Vintage Refrigerator

[pranqster]

I am hoping to get information, guidance or even assistance on retrofitting and modernizing a vintage refrigerator. I have a 1940s/50s Westinghouse fridge that has been in my family for generations. The original compressor was an R-12 and I am hoping to update it with a modern R-134 compressor. Has anyone had any experience modernizing a refrigerator that can share what they learned or how they did it? or if anyone has any referrals in Arizona that could make the conversion for me.

thank you!

 

[countryford]

Just wondering why you are wanting to convert it? Is it currently not working? I would suggest, if it is still working, to replace the seals and rewire it.

 

[turquoisedude]

I had no choice but to replace the compressor in my 1956 GE wall refrigerator when it failed for the 2nd time in late 2022. I did not do the restoration work myself, but I know that an Embraco compressor using R134 was installed to replace the original one. Nearly 2 years later, all has been fine!