Norcold Dual Voltage Refrigerator

[Cruiserdrew]

Bought this today for $100. Norcold MRFT-630B.

Anyone know the year it was made? I've seen an older ARB with the exact same hinge hardware.

Power draw is higher than more modern "swing motor" fridges. I measured 5.1 amps running, vs 2.7 on my 2003 Engel.

I'd love to qualify for the relic run which is pre 79.

This is a built by Sawafuji in Japan unit, similar to the original ARBs and Engels.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I found these:

Old Norcold Fridge

"New" vintage Norcold fridge/freezer

Picked up an older Norcold fridge.


@Lucy_FJ55 's looks identical to mine. Any info? Date?

This model from @woytovich looks older than mine and the 12 volt plug is COMPLETELY different. Also his grounding lug is in a different place as well.

There is also a video of 2 guys that destroy one on youtube. It looks like mine and there was a date code on the compressor I saw briefly that might have been '79. Not sure though.

 

[TrickyT]

My ARB circa 2007 has hinges like that, but otherwise I've got no clue as to when yours was made. $100 is a good deal!

 

[Marine7]

I'll give you $150 for it!

 

[TomH]

I'd say it's definitely pre 1990 based on this one that I took apart. The FET that burned up had a 1989 date code. Yours is older but not the oldest model. Older models had the cords hard wired in the same location as the temp control knob. I would guess yours is mid 80's but it could be older.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I'd say it's definitely pre 1990 based on this one that I took apart. The FET that burned up had a 1989 date code. Yours is older but not the oldest model. Older models had the cords hard wired in the same location as the temp control knob. I would guess yours is mid 80's but it could be older.

Thanks @TomH and your repair thread was good too.

I'm thinking mid 80s as well. Fortunately mine has been 100% so far, but if I ever need to repair it, I'll refer back to your thread.

I've seen older ones than mine which were pale yellow, then they were off white like mine, then off white with a dark gray/brown lid.

 

[TomH]

I've seen older ones than mine which were pale yellow, then they were off white like mine, then off white with a dark gray/brown lid.

I would agree with this. I still have the one that is pictured in one of the threads you linked and it's still running strong 10 years later. It has to be 30 years old, in fact it might even qualify for the relic run.

 

[lost again]

I got one in the 70's used it for camping for several years and then 20 years in a semi, now retired and have no use for it, it is beat up but works like very good will still freeze drinks, lid was replaced with a wooden top with a small door, 110 don't work just 12 volt

 

[Cruiserdrew]

That is an awesome wooden homebrew lid. Very cool.

 

[lost again]

the lid that was on it opened from inside the area it was in, I wanted the air to get to the working end of the unit, so that is what I come up with