I built several cabinets for my old Scamp 5th-wheel wen I changed the layout from a dinette to 2 swivel chairs and airline-type stowaway tables. I used dimension red oak from HD for the face frames and oak-faced plywood for the faces. This made a perfect match for the existing cabinets which were built by an independent cabinet shop located across the road from the Scamp plant.
For the deluxe Scamps, the cabinets are all custom built by the independent cabinet shop. I was at the cabinet shop when a load of oak came in and it was all first-rate clear stock. The deluxe Scamp has cabinet work that matches or exceeds Airstream in quality.
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John W. Irwin
2005 Classic 28 "Sabre-Dog III"
2007 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison LTZ
WBCCI Region 9 Webmaster, #9632
Just a footnote, the cabinets in my 61 were all made of 1/8" Plywood on a 1 by 2 framework.I'll be rebuilding the whole interior to near original next summer, if I ever finish building new frame.
This weekend I will start replacing all my cabinet doors. I will leave the cabinets in place because you can't see them with the doors closed. I plan the build the stiles and rails with solid red oak (2" x 3/4")and the panels will be 1/8" beadboard panelling. This should not add much weight but will look like solid oak cabinets (I hope).
I will post before/after pictures.
The paneled door is an answer to the quick fix for a new look but there is a problem - the panels move; they can not be glued in because as the humidity changes they change size. If you live in a humid area and travel to a dry climate for a month or two the panels will shrink and crack. The other issue is how to stablize the panel - so that it will stay centered in a vehicle that bumps and bounces along the road. My AS has such a problem - that was not addressed soon enough by the PO and as a result all the channels have cracked and broken out and the panels will fall out. Attaching the panel to a single thin sheet of plastic which is attached to the back of the rails will solve the problem. I wouldn't be without such cabinetry; it adds so much richness to the inside. Photofinish can't match it. Have fun. Ernie
One thought that comes to mind (as I too would love the real wood interior of the Classic) is the weight. The Bambi in particular, having had one has a very standard frame. I've noticed that our Safari SS is a bit different. I'd look real hard at what the weight differences are since if I recall, the Bambi had a small cargo capacity to start with...any extra weight will surely take that number and decrease it. Also the axle ratings are something to take into consideration as well.
Has anyone considered carrying the CCD look to the nth degree? We are thinking of making light weight aluminum frames (or re-using the old ones) and replacing the panels with lightweight decorative punched out aluminum. There is one that is alotus design and another reeds that are reall pretty and extremely light- also allows the air through to avoid mustiness. Will try to get the catalogue info for you tomorrow. Am I carrying this too far? For chem sensitive me- it means less glues and plastics. silver suz
I looked at buying an old 70s vintage Silver Streak one time, and it had all aluminum cupboards and closets. I thought it lacked the charm of wood cabinets, gave the whole place a feel like a locker room. But if you want to do it, then there's no reason not to. It certainly was holding up to the years of abuse, except the paint on them was coming off. I assume it could be lighter weight too, but a lot more expensive than building out of light wood.
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