hello chromo,
after my research yesterday everything you said is what i expect i would have to do, strip everything from the out sides take out the foam all that would be left is the frame, strengthening it would be a must.
the door i sstarted stripping from the inside as i had the plastic seals to take off.
you are right about the chest freezer, i shoud concentrate on the other one for an oven and turn the chest into a blast cabinet. too much foam and plastic.
time to do some more work
catchyou soon
brian