ONE MAN’S TRASH IS ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE

How do these projects get started? This one started with a gift from Cobra Mike. Shortly before his passing he wanted me to have this big antique thermometer. He said, “you’re the only one I know who will do something with it?” and of course he was right, but it also spawned some thought.

What ever happened to Royal Crown? I remember RC Cola, but the original Royal Crown reached its pinnacle just before my time. RC has an interesting history of a General Store owner in Columbus GA that didn’t want to pay the high price of the very popular Coca-Cola in the 1920’s. What piqued my interest was the General Store part because the Double E has that general store, gas station vibe. Humm, how can I tie Royal Crown into my place with just a thermometer? Didn’t every gas station for the last 60 years have a soda machine out front? Guess I need a soda machine. So, I started looking for one from the 40’s or 50’s. Of course, there are many Coke machines but vintage Royal Crown machines, not so many. But they are out there, and for a nice one that actually works, be prepared to spend $2500 to $3000. “I don’t think so Tim” . . . but this do-it-yourselfer should be able to come up with something.

Let’s see, what is the size of a soda pop machine? How about an older refrigerator? Then one day a buddy was moving and the old fridge in his shop was headed for the dump. Hey wait, you know, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. So, I drove the 120 mile round trip and came home with this “beauty.”

Set it in place and I think it has the look. Well not exactly yet . . . but take caution, I am wearing my “Visionary Glasses.” So, I got to work cleaning it, sanding it, priming the rust spots, and getting some Royal Crown colors on it. Then when searching the internet for ideas I came across a company called RM Wraps.

I couldn’t hit the “buy it now” button quick enough and USPS delivered a packaging tube in 5 days, wow. This side was the first attempt with the wrap. Well actually it is a sticker and such a high quality that if it is little crooked or you get an air bubble it can be peeled back and then stuck on again. Never knew I could be a successful Rapper, but then again, never thought I could turn a wooden rolling pin into a Sneaky Pete nitrous beer tap handle either.

So, with my wife’s help we “rapped” out a hit. The quality of RM’s design speaks for itself. Very detailed and a much different look than the before picture. But what good is a non-working refrigerator/soda machine in the gas station? Well, this just happens to be where I wash the cars. So lugging buckets, and cleaning supplies in and out of the shop is a PITA. From the beginning I was thinking about a way, and a place, to store all that stuff. Soooo . . .

There ya go, with enough storage for everything. Kind of an unconventional idea, but it serves multiple purposes for me, so I am pretty pleased to have functional art to add to the other ideas we have dreamed up. Hey, as they say, “one man’s trash is . . . “ Oh yeah, and that thermometer? With the help of the Sign Dude, we brought it back to “almost” new condition and the “soda machine” seemed like the perfect place to display it. I think my ole hot rod buddy would approve. R.I.P. my friend and thanks for still inspiring great ideas !

Thanks for reading,

DTB

We think this wrap came out beautifully, and what a perfect setting for a retro wrap! And we always love a good up-cycle over buying something brand new.

If you’d like to wrap a refrigerator in your garage or man-cave to look like Dave’s new storage-fridge, you can click on the product image to the right to place an order for your own custom-sized wrap.