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Topic: Sharp Microwave replacement (Read 582 times) previous topic - next topic

Sharp Microwave replacement

One of the items on my Coach Projects spreadsheet (#23 of 216) was to replace the existing black Sharp convection microwave with a stainless one.

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Initially this was a "nice to have" to go to stainless.  Then I noticed that the mica sheet at the top had some weird blowouts and needed replacing, so it moved up a little in priority.  True, the sheets are replaceable, but stainless was also lighter and brighter looking.

We purchased https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sharp-1-1-Cu-Ft-850W-Stainless-Steel-Over-the-Range-Convection-Microwave-Oven/5013278929 (price has gone up $50 since we bought it), which is the stainless version of what we had (circa 2014 in this coach and also replacement for the OEM black model we had in the '03).

Since we replaced a "like for like" Sharp, it had an identical mounting plate, so Steve was able to use the existing one (and its 20+ mounting screws that would have been a pain to replace).  In a 2000, this is also a recirculating unit - no duct work like in the 2003, which Steve had to modify for the Advantium he installed in that coach.  Easy peasy in comparison.

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With the previous coach, we used the Ekorness/Stressless ottoman to help with the installation.  In WildE we had to use the aftermarket "poof" ottoman on a piece of plywood to support the oven and protect the counter.

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The biggest challenge was finding the screws behind the front vent bezel that Foretravel had added as support for the oven.  Steve used painters' tape to protect the new oven while he drilled holes in the new one for those screws.

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We REALLY like how much brighter the galley looks with the new stainless Sharp, especially with the new faucet and water dispenser

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That display panel on the left is our GX Touch 70 for the Victron system.  There was an old solar control panel in that spot and the Touch 70 perfectly covers the old, ugly hole it left in the wall.

Just for comparison, the "before" and "after" going from black to stainless

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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 replacement

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Michelle –
20+ mounting screws
Closer to 34 existing screws were used to fasten that panel to the wall, did not have to touch a single one  ^.^d
Quote from: Michelle –
drilled holes in the new one for those screws.
Should probably have tested it before I voided the warranty  :D
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Sharp Microwave replacement

Reply #2 –
That is the exact same oven we used last summer.  Our previous oven had lost its mind (brain) in that it would only run for 59 seconds at a time.  We love the look of the new one as well.  Wish I had thought of the ottoman to aid in replacement. 
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
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Re: Sharp Microwave replacement

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Jan & Richard –
Wish I had thought of the ottoman to aid in replacement.

We can't take credit for that idea.  Pat Hatfield discovered it and George posted photos Removal of Microwave (Sharp R-1870)
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 replacement

Reply #4 –
Thanks for the writeup and info, especially regarding the new unit fits directly on the old mounts.  Is this true for most Sharp models, or is there only a select few current Sharp models that will fit the existing mount?

Are you parting the old one out?
1998 U270 34'

Re: Sharp Microwave replacement

Reply #5 –
We harvested the ceramic turntable to keep as a backup.  The rest went to county appliance/metal recycling.

The mounting plate is the same as was used for a couple of older part numbers.  I think it's on the forum which ones.  Will check this evening when I'm back at my laptop.
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 replacement

Reply #6 –
Roger, thanks for the compatibility update.

Only asked about parts because strong fingers broke my light switches and facesplate.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Sharp Microwave replacement

Reply #7 –
Looks like the bracket is the same for the 1830 series Replacing Sharp 1831 Convection oven

and the 1850 series Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

I watched this model for over 6 months on Lowes, Home Depot, and Amazon through the usual Labor Day, Black Friday, Christmas, February, and Memorial Day sales.  It never went on sale. 
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 replacement

Reply #8 –
Two types of metal wall mounts used by Sharp Microwaves.
1996ish models were different than later years although who knows what microwave model was used by Foretravel.
Early plate can be identified by two long vertical screws that release the spring-loaded catch.  Screws are against the wall with both vertical and had a plastic ring around screw head.  Loosen screw, pull down to release catch Later plates can be identified by two long angle screws that are access under each side's air filter on bottom of microwave.  Screw end thread fits into a molded wall mount angled hole.
Think early design has a one-piece wall mount, later design has two separate wall mounting plates.
Wall behind microwave contains a large piece of wood between inner and outer coach walls, so there a lot of strength for all the many screws that hold the metal wall mounts.

Re: Sharp Microwave replacement

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Michelle –
The biggest challenge was finding the screws behind the front vent bezel that Foretravel had added as support for the oven.
For anyone else who may be changing one of these out, it may not be necessary to replace those extra screws Foretravel added. We replaced ours earlier this year, and instead of putting those screws in, we used the top mounting screws that were supplied by Sharp. We drilled holes in the bottom of the small compartment above the microwave and put the screws in from the top. We also added plywood between the two thin pieces of wood that make up the bottom of that cabinet, but only where the screws go through. The plywood keeps the screws from pulling the two pieces together. It is a pain to do, since on our coach it meant removing the inverter control panel, the line voltage monitor, and a panel with the plug for the microwave. However, we felt it was worth it so that we didn't have to drill holes into a brand new microwave. And it was probably a good idea since the first one we installed died in less than a month and Lowe's took it back. I don't know whether they would have questioned taking back a microwave with extra holes in it. I also don't know whether this will work on all model year Foretravels.
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: Sharp Microwave replacement

Reply #10 –
Quote from: dbennett9 –
For anyone else who may be changing one of these out, it may not be necessary to replace those extra screws Foretravel added. We replaced ours earlier this year, and instead of putting those screws in, we used the top mounting screws that were supplied by Sharp. We drilled holes in the bottom of the small compartment above the microwave and put the screws in from the top. We also added plywood between the two thin pieces of wood that make up the bottom of that cabinet, but only where the screws go through. The plywood keeps the screws from pulling the two pieces together. It is a pain to do, since on our coach it meant removing the inverter control panel, the line voltage monitor, and a panel with the plug for the microwave. However, we felt it was worth it so that we didn't have to drill holes into a brand new microwave.

I guess I don't understand - how do screws coming down from the top hold the microwave against the bottom of the cabinet if they don't penetrate the oven's frame?
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 replacement

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Michelle –
I guess I don't understand - how do screws coming down from the top hold the microwave against the bottom of the cabinet if they don't penetrate the oven's frame?
The microwave has threaded nuts built into the top, designed for screws through the cabinet above. The screws come with the microwave, and the instructions show it installed that way. It is the way most microwaves are installed in homes—I have installed several. Most of the microwaves I have installed have only the backplate with a lip the microwave sits on and the top screws. Sharp is the only brand I have seen with the long screws that extend at an angle and screw into the backplate. The microwave should have come with a template to use to drill the top holes in the right locations.
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.
 

Re: Sharp Microwave replacement

Reply #12 –
I recall when we installed the GE Advantium in our 03, that used top down bolts at the front and a rear hanging bracket.  I had to reinforce the cabinet base with 3/4 ply which I glued and screwed into the cabinet base so those front bolts were not just supported by the 1/4 Lauan. 

Don't remember this Sharp having front mounting holes, well I guess it does now ! TBH once i saw the rear panel was the same I never looked at the install manual and just put it back the way it was  O:)
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"