60qt Igloo Cube Conversion - by Baratone Brewer
I've been working on converting a 60qt Igloo Cube to a MT, needed something to hold more than my existing 10gal Rubbermaids. After trying several different ideas on how to utilize the existing drain, (which is located approx 2 1/2" off the bottom in the back of the cooler at a 45degree angle, not exactly ideal for a MT). I decided to drill for a new drain spout in the front of the cooler. I thought that I would provide some pics in case anyone is interested in converting one as well. I had most of the parts lying around so the cost was very minimal. I also went with all copper and SS and cost could be reduced by subing brass for the SS. Initial testing of my design showed 1.32qts of dead space.
Parts that I Used
1- 1/2" male to female copper pipe adapter
1- 1/2" copper street 90
1- 1/2" copper tee
3- 1 1/4" lengths of 1/2" ID copper pipe
7- 1 1/2" diameter SS washers (1/8" thick with a 7/8" ID)
1- 1/2" x 2" SS nipple
1- 1/2" SS ball valve
2- SS hose clamps
2- food grade o-rings
3ft- 1/4" OD copper utility coil
4ft- 3/4" SS braid
First, I used a 1 1/2" hole saw to drill a hole in the front of the cooler. I had to drill mine 15 3/8" from the top of the cooler (lid open). But, due to variances in manufacturing in the cooler and fittings you should double check what depth the hole should be drilled at.
Edit: I forgot to add that I then used a step bit to drill the inside hole to the appropriate size for the 1/2" nipple.
Parts that I Used
1- 1/2" male to female copper pipe adapter
1- 1/2" copper street 90
1- 1/2" copper tee
3- 1 1/4" lengths of 1/2" ID copper pipe
7- 1 1/2" diameter SS washers (1/8" thick with a 7/8" ID)
1- 1/2" x 2" SS nipple
1- 1/2" SS ball valve
2- SS hose clamps
2- food grade o-rings
3ft- 1/4" OD copper utility coil
4ft- 3/4" SS braid
First, I used a 1 1/2" hole saw to drill a hole in the front of the cooler. I had to drill mine 15 3/8" from the top of the cooler (lid open). But, due to variances in manufacturing in the cooler and fittings you should double check what depth the hole should be drilled at.
Edit: I forgot to add that I then used a step bit to drill the inside hole to the appropriate size for the 1/2" nipple.
Dry fitted in the cooler. All the pieces were then sweated together following the dry fit.
1 of the SS washers and an o-ring are located on the inside of the cooler. The rest of the washers and another o-ring are located on the outside of the cooler in the hole that I drilled. They are stacked on the nipple to give the ball valve something to tighten against and to pull the ball valve out far enough to use.
I cut my 1/4" copper tubing to a length of 30 1/2" and bent into approx. shape and sealed the ends. You can also see the SS washer and o-ring installed.
Finally, I installed the SS braid and the hose clamps.