Questions about fiberglass modifications

[DunnYet]

Would appreciate advice from those that have modified the fiberglass on their Ollies.

We are considering a fridge that is about 3 inches taller than the current Isotherm. To meet the install size I will need to do one of the following:

Go up - leaving very little fiberglass below the grey countertop.

Go down - requiring removing the current fridge support structure.

Combine the two.

My concern is removing so much material at the top - will that lead to unintended flex and cracking in the fiberglass under the countertop? Is there a way to add strength back to that area?

If down, do I need the flat surface or just use square stock to build back up? Any advice from those that have removed that fridge support structure - I could not figure out where to start.

If both, how much should I target to leave at the top?

And finally, what is the best way to cut fiberglass out of an area like this?

Any and all tips would be greatly appreciated.

Photos of the current situation attached.

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, DunnYet said:

We are considering a fridge that is about 3 inches taller than the current Isotherm. To meet the install size I will need to do one of the following:

Go up - leaving very little fiberglass below the grey countertop.

Go down - requiring removing the current fridge support structure.

Combine the two.

Cool project! What model fridge are you installing?

In our Oliver, I replaced the vent under the bed with a filter housing. I had to make the opening a little wider in both directions and found the fiberglass cut easily with my DeWalt cordless jigsaw using a fine steel blade (see pics). Cutting the fiberglass should be easy as long as the base of a jigsaw can fit and sit level on the taped fiberglass. You may have to use a sawzall in the corners which is not as easy to control and cut in a clean straight line.

Looks like there is ducting or something under the fridge base, so you may not get a full 3" there. I would work below first. Not much room up above either! You will likely need to "combine the two" approaches. Maybe make the base about 2" lower and cut 1" in the fiberglass above. Keep us posted!

[DunnYet]

@jd1923 planning on getting the Dometic NRX 130 C that will be available in late August. Really like the freezer design (plus the fact that you can remove the freezer entirely if you wanted to use it as a fridge only and use a portable freezer. It’s 12/24 volt only, which should not be a problem as it will run off the batteries when rolling and when on shore power will still run off the batteries. From the tech notes it seems to be very power efficient as well.

It’s just taller than the current Isothem 130 🙂

Thanks for the tips!!

Well - I went and pulled the link to the NRX 130 C and forgot to paste it - 🙄

https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor/boat/boat-refrigerators/boat-refrigerators/09-0904-090426-090426021-333336?v=9620017097

Edited Saturday at 06:37 PM by DunnYet
Would forget my head if it was not attached.

[Ronbrink]

18 hours ago, jd1923 said:

found the fiberglass cut easily with my DeWalt cordless jigsaw using a fine steel blade (see pics). Cutting the fiberglass should be easy as long as the base of a jigsaw can fit and sit level on the taped fiberglass.

20 hours ago, DunnYet said:

And finally, what is the best way to cut fiberglass out of an area like this?

I used my Fein oscillating multi-tool to easily make cut outs for additional receptacle outlets. 

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

I used my Fein oscillating multi-tool to easily make cut outs for additional receptacle outlets. 

Good idea! My son has one of those. I don’t have too much experience but an oscillating tool should work well to square new corners and where a jigsaw would not fit.

[CRM]

22 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

Good idea! My son has one of those. I don’t have too much experience but an oscillating tool should work well to square new corners and where a jigsaw would not fit.

They're the Vise Grip of the power tool world. Can't believe you don't own one!