Tambour vs Custom Sliding Doors

[coairstream]

I have a 1972 Trade Wind 25ft and for the most part the tambor is good, but I dont want to go through the trouble of trying to repair the broken/seperated pieces with fiberglass backing. I watched a youtube video today that showed a newer Bambi and it had what looked like sliding frosted doors. I think I could have custom plexi glass ones made and just install a track. Any thoughts? Also How much should I expect to get for the tambor, both the good and bad?

[Maryw164]

The price people pay for tambour seems to vary. A lot of people offer it free to other forum members for the cost of packing/shipping. Kind of a pay it forward. Others have asked $25 for the larger tambour in good shape. You can just list a best offer price also. If you want to either offer for free or a price you can do that it the classified section of the forums. Good luck with your new doors. Be sure to post photos, as we all would love to see your end results. Feel free to show your work in progress too, as misery loves company

Airstream Trailer & Airstream Motorhome Classifieds - Main Index - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

Mary

[coairstream]

Thanks Mary!!! One more question. I just joined last night and put up several questions. Is there an easy way to know if someone ansered them or do you just need to go back to your posting and check?

Thank you,
Cody

[Maryw164]

Cody,

I sent you an email with some hints. Check it out.

Mary

[overlander63]

The sliding cabinet doors are in the CCD Airstreams, and are similar in principle to the sliding doors in the 1960's trailers. You could probably go to your local home improvement store to get the tracks, and maybe some sheets of white, smoke, or (insert your favorite color) Lexan for the sliding doors.

[RichHog]

I recently replaced the tambour in my 72 Tradewind below the sink. It's the long vertical section about 3' long 2 ft wide. A PO removed the section and but in a metal sliding door that didn't slide very bell and had a bend in the center.
The new tambour was maple and then stained with Minwax Provncial211 stain. It matches the original laminate very well and looks great, makes the kitchen look complete. Also replaced some of the fake wood laminate with real veneers in the front and oh boy it looks so much better.

[FLYNCLD]

We went with custom sliding pocket doors!

[mello mike]

I replaced my damaged and missing tambour with new tambour stained with Minwax Dark Walnut (2716). I think it's a pretty good match.

[RichHog]

Used Minwax Provential 211 on Maple tambour. It's a great match too.

[mello mike]

Originally Posted by RichHog

Used Minwax Provential 211 on Maple tambour. It's a great match too.

Pics???

[Mexray]

Mike, where did you get your new tambour? Ours is mostly shot too...

Did you have to remove the cabinets, or could you replace it wheil in place?

Thanks...
Ray

[mello mike]

Originally Posted by Mexray

Mike, where did you get your new tambour? Ours is mostly shot too...

Did you have to remove the cabinets, or could you replace it wheil in place?

Thanks...
Ray

Good question, Ray. You can buy the tambour at several locations but Tape Ease and Inland RV come immediately to mind. Inland RV also sells the pull handles. As for replacement, it's pretty easy. The old and new tambour can be replaced with the overhead lockers still in place. You only need to remove one of the spiral tracks and out everthing comes.

[Maryw164]

Originally Posted by FLYNCLD

We went with custom sliding pocket doors!

Looks great! What did you use to recover/finish the walls/partions, etc. It looks like a paneling of sorts, but with an interesting texture.

We have the ugly dark walnut panels, we'd like to eventually replace with something lighter.

Thanks, Mary

[RichHog]

We used 1/4 Oak panels with the Minwax stain to replace the end panel and then used Oak veneers glued to the old laminate. Then the new maple tamour panel below the sink matches the new wood well. Plan to slowly replace the rest of the plastic over time. (Picture was before the Tambour replacement)

[seeflash]

Try this website if you want a cheaper tambour alternative. I plan on purchasing some soon for my replacement. Found this by accident.

Tambour Paneling - Bamboo Wall Coverings, Materials

[Maryw164]

Originally Posted by seeflash

Try this website if you want a cheaper tambour alternative. I plan on purchasing some soon for my replacement. Found this by accident.

Tambour Paneling - Bamboo Wall Coverings, Materials

This type of tambour seems to be for decorative purposes. There is no mention of it being used as a functional type. This is an important aspect you might want to inquire about before making your purchase. I know the other types you can get at places like Tapease.com sells in both types (functional & decorative). If it works for a functional door then it would be really great! Lets us know what you find out.

Thanks,

Mary

[mello mike]

Originally Posted by Maryw164

Looks great! What did you use to recover/finish the walls/partions, etc. It looks like a paneling of sorts, but with an interesting texture.

We have the ugly dark walnut panels, we'd like to eventually replace with something lighter.

Thanks, Mary

But Mary, those ugly dark walnut panels are back in style now. Everything goes in cycles.