1971 Boler Custom renovation—Let the fun begin!

[Robert Johans]

Jason, there was recently a terrific thread by member "D White" who explained the entire process. Check out:

You Can Repair Fiberglass

[bec]

Originally Posted by Robert Johans

Jason, there was recently a terrific thread by member "D White" who explained the entire process. Check out:

You Can Repair Fiberglass

Hi .....We've just viewed this thread for the first time , and just need to say that is the most beautiful Boler reno we've ever seen .... it is just so perfect !

[sheephills]

Thanks robert i checked it out. Very nice work you have done.

[Rick Mooyman]

Awesome job Robert. I am looking for a Boler Shell to do something very similar. I want to do the front kitchen and seeing yours makes me want to do it even more so i can make the bed in the back larger. How much more does it weight with all the wood as opposed to the fiberglass? Love the wood but want to keep the weight down as much as possible.

[Robert Johans]

I've never actually weighed them, but I would guess that the birch euro-ply is actually lighter than a equally sized piece of fiberglass. But my cabinetry does tend to require more framework design than typically found in the "stock" FG components. Frankly, I believe more weight is gained by the oversized wheels and tires. That said, adding 100 lbs doesn't concern me much.

[dylanear]

I'm using birth plywood in my new front woodwork, replacing very thick and heavy marine plywood. I'm planning on using thin plywood, reinforced in places with 1x1 and 3/4x1 1/2 bitch and poplar stock. I'm hoping to keep it quite light.

What thickness do you use and how do you reinforce it or add structure/support to the plywood, if you do.

[Robert Johans]

I use 3/8" euro-ply whenever possible. Other than the cabinet's structural frame, there is no need for "reinforcement" per se. However, if I have a long door panel that I think could twist over time, then I add "stiffeners" — usually in the form of a very simple torsion box, using the 3/8" material on end.

[dylanear]

Gotcha, you use good strong plywood. I'm trying this experiment with 1/4" plywood reinforced. 1/8" even for shelves. We shall see, I my have to keep adding reinforcement until it weighs more than if I'd just used beefier plywood to begin it.