Replacing door panel on Norcold Refrigerator

[barryg]

I have two Norcold Refrigerators on my 320, on in the cockpit and one in the cabin and wanted to change out the decorative door panel (black upstairs and wood downstairs) with Brushed Stainless Steel to update the look.

I found the measurements on the web site, bought the panels at the local Steel company and set out to remove the doors so I could remove the panels, but...I can't figure out how to remove the doors. It says to remove the two bolts that attach the door hinge to the bottom of the refrig. but I don't see two bolts, and have no idea how to proceed. Any ideas would be great!

Barry

 

[Rich122]

Norcold and Waco both make the SS panels, but to answer your question. Remove door from fridge and turn upside down. You will find screws holding the bottom edge. Once removed, the panel slides out.

Note: The SS panel on the cockpit fridge may (will) get awfully hot to the touch when the sun is beating down all week. Something to think about, especially if you have children. Galley fridge will be no problem

Rich

 

[barryg]

Rich, thanks, I know what to do once I get the door off the frig, I just can't figure out how to get the door off. I have the SS panels ready to go, I know to turn the door upside down etc, but the two bolts that are supposed to be removed to remove the door aren't there...Any suggestions???

 

[Dave S]

Rich, thanks, I know what to do once I get the door off the frig, I just can't figure out how to get the door off. I have the SS panels ready to go, I know to turn the door upside down etc, but the two bolts that are supposed to be removed to remove the door aren't there...Any suggestions???

I looked at doing this one time myself on my 260DA and from what I recall there is a bolt at the top and bottom of the two hinges. On mine I can get to the top one (you may have to remove the upper grill to see it) but there isn't enough clearance to get to the bottom one. So I would have to remove the screws holding the fridge in place and slide the whole fridge out to be able to get to the bottom one.

 

[barryg]

I guess I'll remove the top grill and see what I can figure out.. It seems like it should be an easy job, but I don't see how to get the bottom bolt out.
Barry

 

[sr360aft]

My Norcold is a fullsize 2004 model and the panels can be removed by removing the locking door handle. 2 small screws on the top and bottom of the door near the handle. No need to remove the door. YMMV

 

[Rich122]

Dave is correct, sorry I forgot that step.

Remove all the screws that hold the frdige to the cabinet. Slide the fridge out and you will find the bolts that hold the hinge bracket. Remove the top hinge and lift the door off, and proceed as before.

FYI. by removing both the top and bottom brackets and the spring latch you can change the direction the door swings open.

Rich

 

[Alex F]

Note: The SS panel on the cockpit fridge may (will) get awfully hot to the touch when the sun is beating down all week. Something to think about, especially if you have children. Galley fridge will be no problem

Rich

Rich,
If the canvas is up all the time I would think the direct sunlight wouldn't get to the gridge door panel. Or you're talking about the cumulative heat build up in the cockpit just when the boat is sitting under the sun?

Thx,
Alex.

 

[Rich122]

Alex

Not so much during the week when the canvas is up, I'm sure it would be warm to the touch but not hot. However on the days you are anchored out, or even at the marina, canvas off and the sun beating into the cockpit, that SS will get hot.

Just a precautionary thought on my part.

Rich

 

[Alex F]

Thanks Rich,
I understand your point, the only thing is my canvas doesn't come off. We keep it on all the time. I'm planning to install SS cockpit frigde on my 320, so this subject is very relevant.

Thx,
Alex.

 

[barryg]

Hey Alex,

Let me know if you can figure out how to remove the doors..I gave up trying to find the "2" bolts on the bottom that the manual tells you to remove. My next move is to remove the whole thing and see if I can get to it from the top.

Barry

 

[Alex F]

Hi Barry,
My project is more envolved b/c there's no cockpit fridge and I'm looking to install one SS. So, unfortunatelly I can't help you at this time. I'm not sure what's your time frame, but I might be ordering the unit within next month or so. If you have BotersWorld (they may have only the regular model, not SS, but the config should be the same) near by I would visit and look at how the unit's door is configured. Since it's on the shelf it'll be easy to find those screwses that are hidden when it's installed.

Good luck,
Alex.

 

[Rich122]

Anytime Alex

I just noticed the boat in your pic and see you have a camper top, and seem to be under cover, so I guess it's mute! Enjoy the new look.

Rich

 

[Escapade]

Barry-

I have done it on both cockpit and salon fridge on our 320. If you have your Norcold book it shows how to replace. I can not recall exactly what I had done but, I followed the book.
I'll check my books at home tonight and reply. By the way the dark factory face was screaming hot in the sun compared to the SS. I had pics on this site about two years ago on the change over.
Mike

 

[barryg]

Hey Mike,
I have the books, and it says that there are 2 bolts on the bottom of the hinge side and to remove those.. I don't see 2 bolts. There is 1 (I'm not sure if it's a bolt or not), but I cant figure out how to remove it.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks
Barry