Now that you have it torn down, are you going to replace the furnace and replace the water lines with PEX?
I was afraid of that question... only because it makes me so nervous. I did have the trailer into the local Airstream dealership (George Sutton RV in Eugene Oregon) after the 'tear out'. They replaced some copper tubing in front of the furnace. I got really confused about this because I had intended on replacing it all with PEX and they talked me out of it. And after being quoted $1400-$1600 to replace the furnace I decided not to. The service department also suggested that if it was working, why replace it? Have I made a mistake? Pam
Why not try a solid frame on the doors with a 1/4" ply flat inside panel. The would be even lighter then 3/4" plywood. I'm sure your cabinetmaker would rather use just straight plywood because it is much easier. I have some samples of Mahogany and Cherry that I could shoot a photo of Monday if you like, I don't have any maple right now. A solid frame door can take more abuse than the ply with edge banning on it. Also by no means pay him all the $$ up front maybe 1/3 to start, 1/3 when he begins to install, and 1/3 at finish. On the outside with finishing no more than 3 weeks that if he takes his time at it.
What kind of finish is he using?
Why not try a solid frame on the doors with a 1/4" ply flat inside panel. The would be even lighter then 3/4" plywood. I'm sure your cabinetmaker would rather use just straight plywood because it is much easier. I have some samples of Mahogany and Cherry that I could shoot a photo of Monday if you like, I don't have any maple right now. A solid frame door can take more abuse than the ply with edge banning on it. Also by no means pay him all the $$ up front maybe 1/3 to start, 1/3 when he begins to install, and 1/3 at finish. On the outside with finishing no more than 3 weeks that if he takes his time at it.
What kind of finish is he using?
The solid frame with ply inside is something I think he suggested in the beginning. I didn't think I liked the look, because I want a straight clean line. Do you have pictures? I believe he is thinking of 1/2 ply now to keep the weight down (instead of solid). I'll ask about the finish...
Thank You for your compliment. The panels over the stove and refrigerator have a support that acts like a hydraulic piston it keeps the door propped open for access and gives it a slow positive closing action to keep it closed. I was going to use this on my upper cabinets in my 31 footer when I redo it. All the doors are hung with the European-style hinges that are spring-loaded. I can tell you where to get the door supports for the upper cabinet doors if you need them. The countertop is made with Formica with a cherry solid wood edging.
I just got on this thread.....for whatever it's worth, I am in the furniture restoration business, and also build custom furniture....if your friend can do the labor on that project for $2,000, AND guarentee that you will still have him as a friend when it's complete, GO FOR IT before he changes his mind. My shop rate is $40.00/ hour (cheap), I wouldn't consider the job for less that $3,500, plus materials.
Materials are totally dependant on what you want.....could range from 800 - 900 for cheap looking stuff to a couple of thousand to really go first class.
Larry C
I just got on this thread.....for whatever it's worth, I am in the furniture restoration business, and also build custom furniture....if your friend can do the labor on that project for $2,000, AND guarentee that you will still have him as a friend when it's complete, GO FOR IT before he changes his mind. My shop rate is $40.00/ hour (cheap), I wouldn't consider the job for less that $3,500, plus materials.
Materials are totally dependant on what you want.....could range from 800 - 900 for cheap looking stuff to a couple of thousand to really go first class.
Larry C
Thanks for chiming in! I am feeling better and better about this all the time. I will know just how appreciative to be. Thanks, Pam
Just completed a partial renovation of a '93 31 ft. Laminate flooring, new sofa and dinnet, curtains and a new countertop and kitchen faucets. Did not do the cabinets. I had to rebuild or repair the bath and bedroom woodwork and cabinets. -- Fitting the curves is not fun --- BUT it looks good when completed. I might consider replacing anything you plan to build around. My experience is that it will stop working as soon as it is covered by anything.
Bill
Just completed a partial renovation of a '93 31 ft. Laminate flooring, new sofa and dinnet, curtains and a new countertop and kitchen faucets. Did not do the cabinets. I had to rebuild or repair the bath and bedroom woodwork and cabinets. -- Fitting the curves is not fun --- BUT it looks good when completed. I might consider replacing anything you plan to build around. My experience is that it will stop working as soon as it is covered by anything.
Bill
Great advice. I took the trailer in to the local service guys to look at after all of the cabinets were out. They repaired some plumbing around the kitchen sink area and thought everything else seemed okay. I hope they are right. I have felt a little nervous about not replacing all of the copper pipes with PEX. They also thought my old Suburban furnace would be okay and I decided to go with that once he quoted a new one around $1400! I am sticking with an older Dometic fridge also, but my friend is considering that it might have to be replaced as he builds the cabinets around it.
When I winced at the cost of a new furnace the service guy laughed and said "This is a R-E-C-R-E-A-T-I-O-N-A-L vehicle" lady! So I guess that explains everything....
I have friends with sailboats who refer to the cost of everything in 'Sailboat Units'.. which are apparently around $1000. So I guess I need to start thinking in 'Airstream Units'! Thanks, Pam
Pam, Just found your post. How are the cabinet's coming? We are starting the same process this weekend with the tear out. We've decided on a L shaped kitchen counter which includes the stove and round sink. It gives us a little more counter space, about 1 1/2 square feet, which we know is alot in an airstream. I'm pretty set on birch with walnut accents on the cabinets. We took some before pics for the forum and will be posting progress pictures, I hope. We are going to the area 33 forum rally May 25th so hope we are finished or we are really going to be roughing it. Teresa
Larry C is right on the money. Good quality cabinets are not cheap, and cheap cabinets are not good. You truly do get what you pay for. As far as using plywood ( cabinet grade hardwood) on the interiors, it's the only way to go.
Pam, Just found your post. How are the cabinet's coming? We are starting the same process this weekend with the tear out. We've decided on a L shaped kitchen counter which includes the stove and round sink. It gives us a little more counter space, about 1 1/2 square feet, which we know is alot in an airstream. I'm pretty set on birch with walnut accents on the cabinets. We took some before pics for the forum and will be posting progress pictures, I hope. We are going to the area 33 forum rally May 25th so hope we are finished or we are really going to be roughing it. Teresa
Teresa, The cabinets are coming along. My friend has my trailer in Philomath and I am in the Portland area. So, I am not getting to see the day by day progress. It drives me crazy. Things are coming along. We picked out a pull out pantry to go next to the fridge and I am trying to decide on what to use for the counter top. I will use laminate but can't decide if I want to use a dark contrast to the light maple or a stainless look to match the stainless walls. I want a Mid Century Modern look. I guess that is 1950's, 60's. Have you found a round sink? I have been looking and can't find one that isn't just a small bar sink? I would love to go to the rally in May, but I don't think I will be ready... Pam
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