New To Us Chinook Makeover

[chin_k]

I'm afraid to take off the cabinets, since they look like each weight about 100#. I need to do this to remount and reinforce my awning brackets, I think. (I tried to remove the false bottom, but no success, maybe there are some trick that I missed). So how much of weight saving the aluminum frame going to give you? Looks very modern.

[HoosierB]

Your makeover is very cool, NewTrailWagon! The reupholstery looks great, and the 80/20 build is awesome!
Keep the pics coming!!!!

[NewTrailWagon]

I am not sure what the weight savings really is. I am not sure it is that much, the cabinets are a tad longer, I will say that they are a lot stronger and the mounting I used will ensure that they will not be going anywhere. The aluminum is far more sturdy than the old oak. I would gather that there may be a 10-15# weight savings. Removal was easy, just start unscrewing and it will begin to come down. I was able to take the old one out all in one piece, there are like 1x1 firing strips that you can follow around the cabinets and you will find a bunch of screws securing it to the ceiling and the wall, once you get all of them out it comes right out. might use a jack or something to help hold it up as you remove it though.

[Blue~Go]

I also removed the original oak and MDF upper cabinets. I weighed them at around 100# apiece. Oof.

As mentioned, they come down easily. Chin_k, I have a past post with photos showing how to get the innards out. There is a trick to the order of operations, but easy once you know. Under the false floor is all the wiring to remove or mod as you wish.

[Blue~Go]

The main description is here:

https://www.chinookrvforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=856

And a few bonus photos in this thread:

https://www.chinookrvforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=903

On the driver's side there is (on mine anyway) an oak divider on the cabinet floor inside. That also had to come out to get the false floor up.

[chin_k]

I remember reading the posts, but forget the detail. I managed to pull the false bottom loose, but it can't be removed because the thin back piece is holding onto it. Now that I read your posts again, I will do the two end pieces, and the back (side of the rig) thin trim, and that should do the trick! I don't remember seeing any white screw on the long "back" trim, however, but I'll take a look tomorrow when the sun is out and report back on the other thread, so I don't have to hijack other's thread. Thanx.