Step one. Bought the van.
Hello Everybody, First post. I camp a lot in tents but after spending three days straight in a tent in the rain at Dolly Sods I swore I'd make a change. Here it is. Bought it Wednesday. Dro...
Forum Discussion
Fridge Cabinet - Post #5
Use template to transfer the shape of the forward side panel to 15/32 plywood. The end of the sofa-bed already covers the bottom half of the fridge cabinet so not going to bother with it.
Cut the plywood then check the fit.
Slight problem with the rearward panel. The plywood wasn't long enough.
Nothing a little extension couldn't fix. Should have done a better job of wiping off the excess glue.
Here's the panel with the cut-outs made for the tie downs.
Test fit.
Next up is to cover the panels. Another trip to Lowes for some Formica. Here's a tip if buying a sheet of Formica. First get yourself a couple lengths of string. Usually there's a roll near the front of the store for tying down loads. Then grab a sales associate. The two of you can roll up the sheet and then while one holds it the other can tie. Don't try to do this by yourself. I'm sure it can be done but it's so much easier with two.
Lay the panel on the back of the Formica and mark out the cut lines. Be sure to leave a one inch margin.
I've tried different methods for cutting the Formica and this is my favorite. Lay the sheet face down placing a 2x4 underneath along the cut line. Use the 2x4 to support the jig saw as you make the cut. Keep the edge of the 2x4 as close as you can to the cut line.
Glue the sheet to the panel using contact cement. After it sets up use an trim router.
Be prepared for the mess.
Use a drill to create a holes where the tie-downs go. Finish up with the router.
Here's both panels and the rectangular piece for the top of the cabinet after finishing.
Since I'm into cutting Formica, might as well do something about the front of the fridge. The current cover is dark. Think I'll brighten it up.
On the inside of the door, lifting up the magnetic sealing strip along the bottom exposes two screws.
Remove the screws then slide off this plastic piece from the bottom front of the door.
With the bottom plastic piece removed you can now slide down the front door veneer. WARNING- This black sheet is metal and has a razor sharp edge! Found out the hard way.
Using the black sheet as a guide, cut out a Formica sheet the same size. Install the the Formica sheet on the front of the fridge.
Reattach the bottom plastic piece. I like this look better.
So I'm wanting to screw the bottom plastic piece back in place and I can't find my screwdriver. I knew I just had it but it's no where to be found. I'm looking everywhere and it was really starting to bug me since it was just here! I have other screwdrivers but by now had the bit in my teeth and wasn't giving up. Won't tell you how long till I figured it out.
continued -
Use template to transfer the shape of the forward side panel to 15/32 plywood. The end of the sofa-bed already covers the bottom half of the fridge cabinet so not going to bother with it.
Cut the plywood then check the fit.
Slight problem with the rearward panel. The plywood wasn't long enough.
Nothing a little extension couldn't fix. Should have done a better job of wiping off the excess glue.
Here's the panel with the cut-outs made for the tie downs.
Test fit.
Next up is to cover the panels. Another trip to Lowes for some Formica. Here's a tip if buying a sheet of Formica. First get yourself a couple lengths of string. Usually there's a roll near the front of the store for tying down loads. Then grab a sales associate. The two of you can roll up the sheet and then while one holds it the other can tie. Don't try to do this by yourself. I'm sure it can be done but it's so much easier with two.
Lay the panel on the back of the Formica and mark out the cut lines. Be sure to leave a one inch margin.
I've tried different methods for cutting the Formica and this is my favorite. Lay the sheet face down placing a 2x4 underneath along the cut line. Use the 2x4 to support the jig saw as you make the cut. Keep the edge of the 2x4 as close as you can to the cut line.
Glue the sheet to the panel using contact cement. After it sets up use an trim router.
Be prepared for the mess.
Use a drill to create a holes where the tie-downs go. Finish up with the router.
Here's both panels and the rectangular piece for the top of the cabinet after finishing.
Since I'm into cutting Formica, might as well do something about the front of the fridge. The current cover is dark. Think I'll brighten it up.
On the inside of the door, lifting up the magnetic sealing strip along the bottom exposes two screws.
Remove the screws then slide off this plastic piece from the bottom front of the door.
With the bottom plastic piece removed you can now slide down the front door veneer. WARNING- This black sheet is metal and has a razor sharp edge! Found out the hard way.
Using the black sheet as a guide, cut out a Formica sheet the same size. Install the the Formica sheet on the front of the fridge.
Reattach the bottom plastic piece. I like this look better.
So I'm wanting to screw the bottom plastic piece back in place and I can't find my screwdriver. I knew I just had it but it's no where to be found. I'm looking everywhere and it was really starting to bug me since it was just here! I have other screwdrivers but by now had the bit in my teeth and wasn't giving up. Won't tell you how long till I figured it out.
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