400DA Refrigerator replacement - Anyone document their process?

[Boat Guy]

I know the Norcold refrigerator removal has been discussed at length. But has anyone documented their steps / process actually doing it?

I understand some had to remove the stairs (how?), some people didn't...Some said it had to be taken apart / doors removed etc...

Any photos? Thoughts?

 

[Riptide III]

What year 400DA

 

[Boat Guy]

'97...But does it matter?

 

[Riptide III]

The fridge just pulls out. The problem is getting old fridge out of boat and new one in. Hence cabinet has to come out. Guess what? Stairs have to come out to get cabinet out. Not a complicated process feel free to call me at 774 201 9590. It would be easier to explain it over the phone. But you basically start with the tread of the bottom step and work your way up.
Phil

 

[ttmott]

The fridge just pulls out. The problem is getting old fridge out of boat and new one in. Hence cabinet has to come out. Guess what? Stairs have to come out to get cabinet out. Not a complicated process feel free to call me at 774 201 9590. It would be easier to explain it over the phone. But you basically start with the tread of the bottom step and work your way up.
Phil

Exactly. I think the only other things to add is there were some screws where the microwave oven is and that trim under the counter top needs to come off otherwise it will get scratched. The screws for the stair treads are hard to find as they were driven in with the carpet already installed. Probe for the screws with an awl or sharp pointed tool. I bought a piece of cheap 1/4" melamine and laid that over the cabin carpet so the refers could be slid around and not damage the boat's carpet.
And while you are in there replace the sump drain lines and pull the HDMI / TosLink cables for that new flat screen that goes with the refer....
I will say that in my case with a new Vitrifrigo which had a deeper box I had to trim out the cabinet 3/4" so it would fit.
Oh, as an edit, get protective covers over the hatch way vinyl and finishes; The last thing you would want is to damage those finishes.

 

[Lakeside Attraction Ohio]

Exactly. I think the only other things to add is there were some screws where the microwave oven is and that trim under the counter top needs to come off otherwise it will get scratched. The screws for the stair treads are hard to find as they were driven in with the carpet already installed. Probe for the screws with an awl or sharp pointed tool. I bought a piece of cheap 1/4" melamine and laid that over the cabin carpet so the refers could be slid around and not damage the boat's carpet.
And while you are in there replace the sump drain lines and pull the HDMI / TosLink cables for that new flat screen that goes with the refer....
I will say that in my case with a new Vitrifrigo which had a deeper box I had to trim out the cabinet 3/4" so it would fit.
Oh, as an edit, get protective covers over the hatch way vinyl and finishes; The last think you would want is to damage those finishes.

 

[Riptide III]

Also, there are three nylon thru hull fittings back there. Every time I have access to one I replace it with stainless. I have done all but the two A/C units. Not very expensive. Easy to do. Really makes the hull look nice

 

[Boat Guy]

Thanks for your help guys... I'm still searching for the screws on the steps. I'm going from top down and it seems the screws are actually under the carpet...I spent time trying to look for them over the carpet with no luck. When I pulled the carpet up on the top tread I could see them. I unscrewed them only to find out the top vertical carpeted kickplate (above the top stair) is screwed into the top tread and I can't get the top tread out....I've unscrewed the metal kickplace covering and the left side screw into the carpet but I can't find the screw(s) for the right side....Trying not to destroy all the carpet but I might need to... This falls under the category "nothing is ever easy"...

 

[zielke]

I replaced the (guys) compressor and tubing 2 years ago. Found the replacement part in TN at an RV parts place (can’t remember the name). Cost was $480. Took me 4 hours from start to finish, because I took my time. Super easy. Wife through the old compressor and tubing away when I was out!! She had no idea what it was for, she thought it was ‘junk’ that’s why we replaced it.

 

[Michaelp]

Are there any pictures of the refrigerator cabinet removal and installation for the 1997 Sundancer 400 DA.
I need to replace mine and they would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Stee6043]

Are there any pictures of the refrigerator cabinet removal and installation for the 1997 Sundancer 400 DA.
I need to replace mine and they would be greatly appreciated.

After reading several threads like this I may be cataloging cabin fridge replacement under "something potentially worth paying a professional to do".

I've never seen a fully documented photo journal of the job on our boats. And I've been watching closely since I know I'll eventually need to do it...

 

[Risingson]

After reading several threads like this I may be cataloging cabin fridge replacement under "something potentially worth paying a professional to does

I've never seen a fully documented photo journal of the job on our boats. And I've been watching closely since I know I'll eventually need to do it...

did you ever replace the refrigerator??

 

[Stee6043]

did you ever replace the refrigerator??

Nope, only the cockpit icemaker/fridge. My ole Norcord is still kicking...knock on wood.

 

[Risingson]

Nope, only the cockpit icemaker/fridge. My ole Norcord is still kicking...knock on wood.

I did mine last year but I have an 410 express. Is yours the same as mine?
See photo

 

[Stee6043]

View attachment 90462 View attachment 90461

I did mine last year but I have an 410 express. Is yours the same as mine?
See photo

The fridge looks the same but the stairs, trim, cabin door are all quite different. But based on your photos you removed the full cabinet around the fridge? That's what I've read about. That and some minor disassembly of the fridge/door to get it in?

 

[Risingson]

Yes had to take cabinet out and remove one of the sliding cabin doors off. It really wasn’t that hard. The hard part was working around the cabinet in the Salon.

 

[midexp]

Nice pictures, but the 400DA is much different. I have had 2 people tell me they got the fridge out without removing the cabinet around the fridge. Not sure if I believe them?

 

[stephens013]

Nice pictures, but the 400DA is much different. I have had 2 people tell me they got the fridge out without removing the cabinet around the fridge. Not sure if I believe them?

Replaced the frig in my 1997 400DA. The straits and the cabinet had to be removed to get the darned thing out of the cabin. Just cabinet work. Like one guy said, hardest thing is working around the frig inclosure sitting in the middle of the salon.

 

[Riptide III]

Yes the fridge just comes out without removing anything however, you must remove the stairs the cabinet, everything to get the fridge out the door

 

[Michaelp]

I replace the refrigerator on my 1997 Searay Sundance 400 DA 2 years ago.
Old Norcold came out in pieces. Did not remove any cabinets or stairs. It fit through when doors and refrigeration unit was removed in tack so as not to deal with refrigerant.
Installed a new Vitrofrigo with same dimensions. Refrigeration unit is not hanging out of the back of the unit.
Only doors and hinges of the new refrigerator had to be removed to get in. Fit in existing opening with no modification to cabinets or to flange on new refrigerator.