Changing surface mount hinge to euro-style

[jhart657]

Airstream cabinet experts,
Has anybody changed out the traditional style surface mount old school hinges found on the Classics to the new Euro-Style hidden hinges? We just bought an '07 25' Classic Limited with the hickory interior. I would love to change out all the hinges and door/drawer hardware to something more exciting. Your thoughts and ideas would be appreciated!

Juergen

[drboyd]

There's youtube videos on it. You'll need a drill press and a special hole boring bit, plus a jig and a drill stop. I've seen it done, but I'd be ultra-careful about trying it.

[aquinob]

You need a certain thickness to the door. Most of the hinges require a 32mm hole that has to be placed a specific distance from the edge. Generally rail and style type doors are ok and any door that is at least around 1/2" or more in thickness. They sell jigs that can make it easy to bore consistent holes. I prefer to use a drill press to a hand drill so that the holes are perfectly vertical when the door is laid flat.

[Roadrunner]

Juergen...I don't see where this would be a problem. While I haven't updated any existing cabinet doors, we have built new Airstream cabinets and always use the Euro-style hinges. The hinges are spring loaded and hold the doors closed better than surface mount hinges. As mentioned, you will need a plastic guide that sets your center point for drilling door frame and the corresponding drill bit. We started using a drill press but found we could freehand with battery drill just as well. Good luck!

Bob "Roadrunner"
Indiana, PA

TAC PA-5
WBCCI 4871