Top Hinged Cupboards

[jackel1959]

moutard2,
Thanks for the photo! It will help a lot with my install, which I will get to in the next couple days or so. I will post more info when the project is complete.

Jack

[bncinwv]

I have one simple request when the mods are complete. If there were difficulties in any way, please let me know. Since I am such a nice guy, I am willing to let you all be the guinea pigs on this mod. After the successful installations and the following reports of how the success was accomplished, then I can feel confident in doing it as well!! I am assuming that the mounting locations are hard-wood and pre-drilled holes are required?? The photo provided helped immensely, now I just need the trade tricks to accomplish a trouble-free installation. If I remember right, I have eight of the vertical opening doors that are screaming for this mod. Heck, this is one of the few times that when I mentioned what was being done by fellow MOCers, she agreed that this one should be at the top of the list before Spring camping season returns.
Bingo

[moutard2]

Here's how I did it ... drill a hole about 1" from the bottom of the cupboard frame and install the lower screw of the lower mount. Square up the mount to the frame and drill the 2nd hole and install and tighten both screws. Then hold up the strut against the open cupboard door so that the door is a fraction of an inch below the ceiling and the strut is parallel with the right hand side of the frame opening. The latch for the door should be on the opposite side of the frame. Mark and drill both holes. Put the screws in and have a beer as your wife throws accolades your way. Be sure and mark your drill bit to the length of the screws so that you don't go all the way through the door!

[Captain Joe]

I did it just a little different. I propped up the door with a book so the door handle was one inch from the ceiling. I eyeballed the bracket and made sure that the bracked cleared the top inside of the cupboard and the side of the cupboard. I marked the holes and the drill bit depth with a piece of tape and drilled the pilot holes. Screwed the bracket into place and tested it. Perfect. I then took a piece of plastic I had laying around (a plastic shim) and took the bracket off and made a bottom and top template for the remaining cupboards. With the template, all I will have to do is place the template in the lower right hand corner, mark, and drill. Then, place the template in the upper right hand corner, mark, and drill. I reinstalled the bracket and the others are waiting to be installed. moutard2's picture helped a lot and his warning about clearing the top and side was the key. Good luck!

[jackel1959]

Got my struts installed today. Our cabinet doors have a light in front/above them so I opened the doors all the way until they were against the light. I taped the doors opened , positioned the strut on the door and marked for the holes. I took the doors off to drill them just because it was easier and less awkward. Used the old tape trick on the drill bit to make sure I didn't drill through the door. Mounted the struts on the doors and re-attached them. Taped the doors opened again, marked and drilled the holes for the bottom bracket into the cabinet stile. Attached and all works great. A few photos are below.

Carl, if you bring the struts to "Q" we can install them there. It is about a 20 min job.

[Carl n Susan]

Thanks Jack for the pics. I have run out of time to install anything before we leave for Q. First we have to make a trip to your neck of the woods and then hurry home to hook up the rig and go south. I will have the brackets with me and I hope to find time (and a warm day) to do the installation. If they aren't installed by the time we get to Q you will definitely get a chance to help.

[Mynabird]

Installation at Quartzsite!!! That has a familiar sound!!!

There always seems to be a couple of projects going on!!!

BTW, Jack, how many more days???

[jackel1959]

quote:Originally posted by Mynabird

Installation at Quartzsite!!! That has a familiar sound!!!

There always seems to be a couple of projects going on!!!

BTW, Jack, how many more days???

As of today, 19 December, 28 days until the official start of the rally!!!

Jack

[Wiesehan]

I also used to clips that hold storage doors open and have no issues with them.
Don

[K&Gs3400RL]

We had the struts on our Cougar But we don't on the Montana, Mmmmmm?

[Captain Joe]

Fantastic weather today, so I tackled the cabinets and got all 8 of them done. Great mod....too bad they were not included during manufacturing.

[moutard2]

So simple, so effective and soooooooooo cheap to do. I'm also going to order a strut and brackets for the rear door. It'll be the same as on the front door and make opening and closing the rear door possible without having to go outside.

[kab449]

quote:Originally posted by moutard2

So simple, so effective and soooooooooo cheap to do. I'm also going to order a strut and brackets for the rear door. It'll be the same as on the front door and make opening and closing the rear door possible without having to go outside.

I can't understand why it is on the front and not the rear. It was really windy the other day and opening the rear door was hard to hang on to. The front was held by the strut and was no problem. When you order it will you post detail?

[Captain Joe]

The strut was put on the front so as to not interfere with the awning. The read does not have that problem. I also would like to but the strut on the rear door. Please post order info and installation photos. What a great forum......Happy New Year, ya'll.

[moutard2]

Once I've got it and installed it, I'll post details and pics. I imagine delivery from order time will be a minimum of 6 weeks.

[drsmart]

Did the two over the computer desk today. Nice