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Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Just finished replacing my original Sharp R-1850 with a Sharp R-1874 microwave.  It is a direct replacement for the original but I did do a little fiddling. 

First step was remove the old microwave.  As previously noted, the toughest part is finding the extra screws FOT used on the install and also the weight of the microwave.  I found 2 screws installed in the face frame of the cabinet above the microwave (installed by FOT) and two long screws that go diagonally up from the bottom vent openings into the wall bracket.  When I could not budge the microwave, 5 minutes of additional searching found a third screw in the upper face frame.  Picture 1 shows the places I found the screws marked with blue tape.  You have to remove the top grill to see them.

It also shows the lift I used to move the old microwave out and the new one in.  The jack allows very easy and precise vertical positioning.  The cabinets keep the unit from tipping side-to-side and one hand easily holds the microwave in position from front to back.  It also slides easily on the cardboard put down to protect the countertop.  Picture 2 shows how the screws were hidden in the upper face of the microwave.

The next picture shows the old and new mounting brackets.  They are identical.  I replaced the old one to take advantage of the new weatherstripping.

The microwave comes with a new vent damper to replace the old one.  The instructions say to mount it on the top of the microwave, but FOT originally mounted it on the vent opening under the cabinet.  Picture 4.  The existing weatherstripping was shot so it required a trip to Lowes. 



Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #1 –
The old and new vent locations in the top of microwave were identical.  I did have to follow the instructions on the new one to set it up for top venting.  Pictures 1 and 2.

The old damper was very noisy when it was windy or we were driving, so I tried to make the new one a little quieter.  I added a very light, thin piece if 1"x1/8" weatherstripping to the body and also put some heat shrink on the two prongs that the damper bumps on when closed.  Pictures 3 and 4.  The 1/8" weatherstripping was left over from redoing the stripping on the PTL front screen door.

I mounted the damper under the cabinet, like FOT did.  It required 3 additional #6/3/4" screws to help quiet the rattle.  Picture 5.
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #2 –
Next, I added the weatherstripping for the vent.  FOT attached it to the vent under the cabinet,  Picture 1.  I chose to attach it to the top of the microwave.  Picture 2.  I added a couple of extra pieces to the top of the microwave to keep it from making any noise while driving.  I found the weatherstripping at Lowes.  Picture 3 and 4.

The 120V cord coming out of the top of the microwave seemed stiffer and it stuck up more than the original so I cut a hole in the bottom of the cabinet to give it a little more room.  Picture 5.
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #3 –
The install was pretty straight forward.  Slide it into place.  Jack it up.  Tip the back edge up and secure it in the bottom of the wall bracket.  Tip the top back and tighten the long diagonal screws.

These screws are easy to pop out and remove from the microwave.  A forum member has previously posted that the new screws are much more cheaply made that the originals.  I suggest (like he did) that you salvage the old screws and use them.  Picture 1 is a picture of the new screws.  I stripped one of the new ones before switching to the old ones.

Also, the design of the top, front of the microwave has changed so it is not possible to install the extra, hidden screws in the top face frame.  This is because the top grill is now held on by 2 screws on either end of the face and 1 screw that comes down through the top of the microwave,  You have to unmount the microwave to remove this screw.  I guess it would be possible to leave the top screw out.  You could then probably remove the grill after you install the microwave.  This would allow you to add the additional screws to the face frame.

I decided to add a few more screws to back bracket to beef it up.  So at Lowes, I got #8x3/4" screws and added 4 more to the top row of screws on the bracket.  Picture 2.  Same style I used for the vent, just a different size.

I also removed the aftermarket LED bulbs from under the old microwave and installed them in the new one.

Overall, we are very happy although we still need to take it on a trip and put it to the test.  Picture 3.

Rich

PS.  I do have a new fridge handle on order.  They are no longer available in beige, only black but a $6 can of spray paint from Lowes (where else) will make them match the existing color scheme. :D
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #4 –
Great writeup, thank you. The top vent location looks to be the same as on my R-1850A, so hopefully it's a Sharp thing. My R1881LSY should be here tomorrow so I'll follow up with whether or not it's also in that location.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Rich Bowman –

Also, the design of the top, front of the microwave has changed so it is not possible to install the extra, hidden screws in the top face frame.  This is because the top grill is now held on by 2 screws on either end of the face and 1 screw that comes down through the top of the microwave,  You have to unmount the microwave to remove this screw.  I guess it would be possible to leave the top screw out.  You could then probably remove the grill after you install the microwave.  This would allow you to add the additional screws to the face frame.

Great write up  ^.^d

I would definitely keep an eye on it without the front screws.  I would think Foretravel added them based on experience.  Having had Pennsylvania interstates cause an MCD blind to break loose, the heavier microwave could do some serious damage if it did the same.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #6 –
The thought had crossed my mind.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Rich Bowman –
The thought had crossed my mind.

Is there any way, with an extension on your drill/driver, to install a screw through the upper front grate with it attached on the microwave?
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #8 –
I don't think so.  You had to take the grill off of the old one also.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #9 –
Okay,

Michelle got me thinking and I went out and did some more exploration on the front grill and the possibility of installing screws into the top front face frame.  After examining the old microwave, it looks like FOT removed the center, top down top screw on the original microwave grill so it could be R&R'd while the microwave was bolted to the wall.  That allowed them to then take it off and put in the extra screws up into the face frame of the cabinet above.

I will be dismounting the microwave, removing the top center screw from the grill and then remounting the microwave.  I should then be able to remove the grill and install the additional screws into the cabinet face frame.

I'll post an update with pictures when I do.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Rich Bowman –
Okay,

Michelle got me thinking and I went out and did some more exploration on the front grill and the possibility of installing screws into the top front face frame.  After examining the old microwave, it looks like FOT removed the center, top down top screw on the original microwave grill so it could be R&R'd while the microwave was bolted to the wall.  That allowed them to then take it off and put in the extra screws up into the face frame of the cabinet above.

^.^d  Great investigative work!

Quote
I will be dismounting the microwave, removing the top center screw from the grill and then remounting the microwave.  I should then be able to remove the grill and install the additional screws into the cabinet face frame.


I feel better now - yes, I tend to fret over such things  ;)
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #11 –
Nice job Rich, ours is still working, I wish there were an hour meter on ours, we use the convection oven a lot.

I like the stainless look, is the interior stainless as well?  Hi to Peggy!
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #12 –
I'm back!  It's amazing how after the 3rd or 4th time, you become pretty proficient at removing and installing a microwave.

So the answer is YES, the new microwave is just like the old one and should be installed with extra screws in the front top face frame.  The first picture shows the original grill with the missing screw.  The second photo shows the new microwave with the screw in the top center of the grill that you need to remove.

The third photo shows one of the two retaining screws on each end of the grill.  This is a much better solution than the plastic retaining clips on the old microwave.

I predrilled the holes down through the top before reinstalling the microwave.  There is very little clearance when installed to drive the 3 screws up into the face frame.  Picture 4.  I put the screws back very close to where they originally were as shown by the blue tape in one of my first posts.

Finally, picture 5 is just a reference to compare back to my first post showing that the new unit is exactly like the old when the grill is removed.

One added bonus, you can now remove the grill and get to the access cover for the interior oven light bulb in case you need to replace it, without having to remove the entire oven from the wall.

Just another note, there was one long trim screw coming in from the top left side from the cabinet next door.  It was not meant to secure the microwave but happened to just dimple the metal cabinet.  It was sharp enough to cause the microwave to hang up when I tried to lower it for this last effort.

Thank you very much to Michelle for prompting me to take another look at the install.

Rich

Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #13 –
Hi Roger,

The interior seems to be the same as the old one,  Just a lot more shiny now.  The turntable plate seems to be not as well finished.  We are going to save the old one and the triangular roller mechanism in case we want to use it instead of the new one.

Our microwave worked great until it didn't. ;D

Hi to Susan,

Rich and Peggy
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #14 –
Is the side next to the window steel, ie. magnet friendly?  What would we do with out our magnetic bits?
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #15 –
Yes it is steel.  We have a couple of note clips stuck there.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15
 

Re: Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Elliott –
Great writeup, thank you. The top vent location looks to be the same as on my R-1850A, so hopefully it's a Sharp thing. My R1881LSY should be here tomorrow so I'll follow up with whether or not it's also in that location.
I can confirm the top vent in my R1881LSY has the save offset from the wall as my R-1850A. Seems to me that this vent position is in fact a Sharp thing and something other's should be aware of if they're looking to replace their old one.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.