Double door danger from the microwave

nickcrowhurst · 03-03-2009, 05:08 PM

Our Excella has elegant double oak doors concealing the microwave oven. We like these doors, but.....when these doors are opened, the right hand door in particular is a hazard to one's head after removing items from the credenza, below and to the right. I thought long and hard about changing the hinge system so that the door would fold right round to lay flat on the bulkhead, but I could not find a discrete and elegant solution. Instead, I decided to hinge the two doors together at the center, after removing the hinges from the right hand door. The doors are opened as a pair, and then folded together, keeping the right hand door out of harm's way. The matching hinges behind the center joint were "Decorative hinge, Antique Brass Finish", from ACE hardware, part #5300066. Two magnetic catches completed the project. I know we all like pics, so here's a few:

FordTruck · 03-03-2009, 07:18 PM

great solution. your head thanks you.

ROBERT CROSS · 03-03-2009, 07:24 PM

Heads-up solution...........looks great!

Andrew Selking · 03-03-2009, 07:29 PM

Maybe you should sell your idea to Airstream. This is a great solution to problem had. I love the ideas people always come up with.

mouth012006 · 03-03-2009, 08:56 PM

That looks great.....we are putting in a pantry/micro cabinet and that would be a great solution for this....thanks

**moosetags** · 03-03-2009, 09:00 PM

Good idea.

Brian

overlander63 · 03-03-2009, 11:47 PM

There's a 2006 Classic in our shop right now with something similar--but the updated single door is hinged on top, with a slide catch to keep the door open.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 03-04-2009, 12:43 AM

Hi, it seems that Airstream has not put enough thought into the cabinets above the refrigerator. I installed spring loaded lifts on mine. Now I don't have to hold the door open with my head to remove or put back my toaster and/or coffee maker. I like your hinged together doors on your trailer. Good idea.

nickcrowhurst · 03-04-2009, 06:56 AM

I'm grateful for all the replies. I tried the lifting door with struts or a catch, but with our Excella there is not enough headroom for my 6 foot height to clear the doors, and I only have an inch or two under the A/c unit as it is. Otherwise, I think the lifting door is the best solution. Another possibility is the old roll-up doors as we have above the sofa, but they don't have the elegance of the oak panelled doors. Nick.