Well in time to start the conversion. My plan is to remove the top section of the ice chest, which would give me better access to the inside. I planned to remove the tin lining, then create a cedar box that I would slip in. After that I would work on the door seals.
I carefully pried the top off without any damage. This gave me better access to the inside of the ice chest.
I started to remove the tin from inside.
After I removed a couple of the tin pieces, I realized the tin work was just part of an inner box.
After removing a couple of trim pieces around the door openings, I was able to remove the inner box without much effort.
I always thought the ice chest was made of clear pine. I now realize its hard maple.
Now, the wife has taken an interest in the project, which is a good thing. She asked me if it would be possible to stain it darker. This will entail more work then I counted on, but if it makes the wife happy .it makes me happy.
When I first bought the ice chest about 15 years ago at an auction, it was painted green. At the time I was living in an apartment in Toronto, so I had to strip the paint off on my balcony. It turned out ok, but I was never happy with ok. This gives me an opportunity to finish it properly.
I plan to disassemble the outer box, piece by piece. I will then strip the varnish and sand each piece. A few of the pieces have some staining, which is expected after about 80+ years in a moist environment. I hope to bleach the stains out. Im not too concerned as a darker stain will cover a lot.
I made sure I labeled each piece, to aid in reassembly.
I will keep you updated as the project progresses.
