Tips on Creating a new Access Door from old water heater opening

[rushhome6]

We have removed the old heavy water heater and replaced with a tankless one. There is a hole now and we are okay just patching it but wanted to know before we do, if anyone has successfully converted the water heater cavity into a usable storage compartment. It seems a shame to waste the space with a patch (area isn’t accessible from the interior. Any help greatly appreciated!

[Lcrupper]

Had a similar problem. If you want you can get polished aluminum tread plate at Lowe’s or Home Depot. I used the rivets that leave threaded inserts and got some of the fasteners from the hardware store to fasten it with. Mine are threaded and have knurled ends so you can finger tighten or use hex wrench. I don’t mind the look and it shows well against the other polished aluminum. I have a storage box on the rear that is treadplate so it looks like I did it on purpose.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by rushhome6

We have removed the old heavy water heater and replaced with a tankless one. There is a hole now and we are okay just patching it but wanted to know before we do, if anyone has successfully converted the water heater cavity into a usable storage compartment. It seems a shame to waste the space with a patch (area isn’t accessible from the interior. Any help greatly appreciated!

Attachment 376577

Attachment 376578

Why not do it right and install an original Airsteam door. This one on Ebay is a little too small, but that could easily be taken care off by a spaces piece of alu on the bottom
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-use...4AAOSwowBdjCos

[rushhome6]

Thanks PeterH-Airstreamer ! I’ve been looking at that door for a month. Trying to decided if it’s worth the trouble.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by rushhome6

Thanks PeterH-Airstreamer ! I’ve been looking at that door for a month. Trying to decided if it’s worth the trouble.

I hope you got it, since it says sold