Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler
56D500boy
Posted 2019-03-29 7:41 PM (#580099)
Subject: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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While I am waiting for the last of the parts to arrive for the TorqueFlite swap project, I started looking for an old ice cooler to fix up for my car. I found one last Sunday and have been playing with it a bit off and on since then, e.g. trying to strip the bullet-proof paint.

It is made by the Progressive Refrigeration Company, of Louiseville, KY. This is the same company that eventually made the first Coke coolers (which typically were embossed with the Coke logo before the logo was painted white). Mine is not embossed, i.e. smooth, and had no logo. It is HEAVY as heck, even without ice and beer. I went for it because it is quite high which lends itself to the idea that I had, as shown below. The Chrome bits on the side might be real chrome (stainless steel) from spares or stick-on plastic chrome trim. The "Custom Royal" and the V logo with the Gold Lancer are likely to be vinyl stickers made from photos of the real stuff. There is a chance that I will make plastic 3D Gold Lancers.

The shell needs a bit of bodywork in places (no biggy) but the lid needs to be remade or disassembled and beat with a big hammer.

It's all a useless but fun diversion.

See below:



Edited by 56D500boy 2019-03-29 7:44 PM




(56DodgeAndOldCooler_before.jpg)



(OldCoolerForDodge.jpg)



(Trial 1B.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments 56DodgeAndOldCooler_before.jpg (133KB - 157 downloads)
Attachments OldCoolerForDodge.jpg (208KB - 162 downloads)
Attachments Trial 1B.jpg (414KB - 155 downloads)
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rockerarm
Posted 2019-03-31 11:53 AM (#580180 - in reply to #580099)
Subject: RE: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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Cool idea........

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56D500boy
Posted 2019-03-31 4:24 PM (#580198 - in reply to #580180)
Subject: RE: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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rockerarm - 2019-03-31 8:53 AM

Cool idea........




Will be even cooler (pun not intended) when I ever get the red paint completely off and start fixing it up. It must be oven-baked enamel. Very bullet-proof.

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1960fury
Posted 2019-03-31 4:41 PM (#580200 - in reply to #580099)
Subject: Re: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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Too bad, perfect 40s/50s patina
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56D500boy
Posted 2019-03-31 4:47 PM (#580202 - in reply to #580200)
Subject: Re: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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1960fury - 2019-03-31 1:41 PM

Too bad, perfect 40s/50s patina


You can leave the patina on the cooler you buy Sid. I'm not into patina or rat rods or any of that. Plus I strongly dislike (read "hate") red or anything COKE

However, I am debating about fixing the dings and body scratches. I'll prime it before I decide.



Edited by 56D500boy 2019-03-31 6:14 PM
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-03-31 9:06 PM (#580211 - in reply to #580099)
Subject: RE: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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That is so righteous ! Don't stop there. Get the matching tattoo. Preferably facial.
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56D500boy
Posted 2019-03-31 9:23 PM (#580212 - in reply to #580211)
Subject: RE: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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Doctor DeSoto - 2019-03-31 6:06 PM

That is so righteous ! Don't stop there. Get the matching tattoo. Preferably facial.


Too late. Already have one "D500" but it's on my butt. Sorry no photos

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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-04-01 10:13 AM (#580240 - in reply to #580212)
Subject: RE: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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Maybe get a Trudeau tramp stamp ? Now that would be sweet.
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1960fury
Posted 2019-04-01 10:27 AM (#580242 - in reply to #580202)
Subject: Re: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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56D500boy - 2019-03-31 4:47 PM

1960fury - 2019-03-31 1:41 PM

Too bad, perfect 40s/50s patina


I'm not into patina or rat rods or any of that.

:)


What have "rat rods" to do with patina (originality)? It is the complete opposite and not rarely seen with "nice" and "oh so novel and ingenious" accessories like "matching" trailers out of cut in half cars and driven by people with sofas out of finned rear ends, tattooed and pierced to the max, or with other words things and people that have nothing to do with mid century and the appreciation of 50s design and the period. Enough of that.
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1960fury
Posted 2019-04-01 10:28 AM (#580243 - in reply to #580211)
Subject: RE: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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Doctor DeSoto - 2019-03-31 9:06 PM

That is so righteous ! Don't stop there. Get the matching tattoo. Preferably facial.


Good one!
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The Chrysler Kid
Posted 2019-04-01 3:02 PM (#580258 - in reply to #580099)
Subject: Re: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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Cool idea, would like to see the finished product. No harm in painting a not particularly rare non-embossed cooler.
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58 DESOTOS RULE
Posted 2019-04-02 11:36 AM (#580291 - in reply to #580099)
Subject: RE: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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I for one am done with that patina craze. Shooting a coat of clear coat over worn paint and a little bit of rust peeking through is not my idea of a good refinish on a project car. 

Nice vintage cooler. A color scheme to match your car would be attractive.

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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-04-03 12:19 AM (#580320 - in reply to #580291)
Subject: RE: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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I am SO sick of over-restored oldies and hyper-flawless billet-mobiles, I'll take
anything with rust and a "field finish". 50 years we had to deal with over-blinged
hot rods and top line 2 doors with every conceivable option. Show me your work-
-aday cars and beater trucks, still on the job. Patina is way more interesting than
more new paint.
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56D500boy
Posted 2019-07-14 11:10 PM (#584841 - in reply to #580291)
Subject: RE: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler



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58 DESOTOS RULE - 2019-04-02 8:36 AM
Nice vintage cooler. A color scheme to match your car would be attractive.


Ran out of time to finish the cooler 100% before the Mopar Madness show today but this is what the cooler looks like so far (still need to add the trim and a chrome sweep)



Edited by 56D500boy 2019-07-14 11:19 PM
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Finsman
Posted 2019-07-16 10:11 PM (#584909 - in reply to #580099)
Subject: Re: Sombebody stop me. I'm having too much fun. 56 Dodge Cooler


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if we all built our cars the same, that would be awful boring. what would be the point of a car show?I can appreciate a concours restoration, and Rats are cool! Mine will be tastefully custombut every bit a 59 Dodge Sierra. it is fun to rib your friends and have a laugh also. I like the ice chest, please don't put 22" wheels on it!
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