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Topic: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments (Read 1679 times) previous topic - next topic

Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

The cabinets over the windshield appear to have had a thin panel covering the wire chases and insulation. Some of these are missing and I'd like to find replacements. In some cases I want to mount electronic displays and switches in panel cutouts I'd customize.

Are these readily available? 

Thanks
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #1 –
Find a really good hardwood dealer that supplies custom cabinet shops. If they don't have it in stock, should be able to order

Len
Len and Deb Speiser
1999 U270 36'
2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus!--Ken Kesey
If you're lucky enough to live in a bus, you're lucky enough!

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #3 –
Hi
The stuff FT used is long gone.When I did my wanes coating, I found 4x8 sheets of walnut at Windsor Plywood in Spokane WA. It was $80.00 a sheet, and very thin. Like 1/8th inch. I had my paint store mix stain to match, then clear coated it. It's close, but different style then the stuff FT used.Grain is different.(see picture of bedroom)
I also searched the world for walnut trim, surprising not many places carry it. I ripped and router'd my own.
Personally, I would just make those piece's out of 1/8" panel, paint them black, or upholster them in brown or black.
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #4 –
Fortunately, the previous owner gave me a 4x8 sheet of the FT walnut, I used it on the main side in the living room.Then I fabricated my own walnut for the bottom of the windows.
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #5 –
I have found here in mexico that their cedar panelling is very close to what our FT walnut looks like. The right wipe on finish and you really cannot tell much difference. I had a large door made at home by cabinet outfit for the front panel of the slide out cabinet I made alongside the Res fridge install a few years back. The grain has lightened up now and matches the rest exactly. Looks very OEM.
So it must be available in solid plank lengths.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #6 –
Quote from: gracerace –
Personally, I would just make those piece's out of 1/8" panel, paint them black, or upholster them in brown or black.
Chris

Yup, if it is inside a cabinet or where it is not readily visible, I would do the same.  Flat black.  Another option, as gracerace suggests is to upholster thin plywood (or luan) in a fabric complimentary to the interior.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #7 –
Sorry I didn't see this sooner.  If you are still looking for Walnut plywood, it is readily available from two sources in Houston.  hardwood lumber company, and Houston Hardwoods.  Not expensive and in stock.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #8 –
We are believers that that inside wood panel should be left out to reduce the high heat from the space behind the top of the front cap.

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #9 –
Hi,

I'm a newbie to ForeTravel and was perusing this thread with curiosity. I just completed a renovation of the forward upper cabs which included removing the TV cab and re-sizing it to fit a concealed flat screen TV. Looks like a bookcase now until the bottom of cab opens and the TV drops down through it. (I have a few pictures of the build process. I will dig up what I have and compose a description/process, including materials and post to forum) (Fortunately I had scrap ForeTravel wood paneling from a renovation in the bedroom, more on that later. A good wood sealant/finish I use is Daly's Profin. It will amber out nicely and is very easy to use. It hides scratches and nicks in the cabinet wood very well.)

I'm very interested in what Barry and Cindy said about heat build up in the front cap of the coach. Factory had very little to no insulation up there in my U270. Instead a mess of wires, a switching control box and surge protectors for Bose/ old CRT TV. Seems ForeTravel built coach without concern for heat build up in that area? All my upper cabs in the coach front had wood panel backing installed too.  My TV lives inside there now. I'm wondering if I should be concerned. And/or has anyone experienced other possible damage issues regarding heat building up behind the front cap above the windshield?

Appreciate all comments, Thanks! It is good to be a forum member!
2002 U270, 36' WTNS, Build # 6030, Cummins 400 ISL.
Wheelchair accessible modifications by ForeTravel, Braun UVL lift.

2001 Dodge IMS RampVan, M&G tow brakes, Sterling tow bar.

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #10 –
My coach still has the wood panels, and I have had no problems with heat buildup.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
We are believers that that inside wood panel should be left out to reduce the high heat from the space behind the top of the front cap.

Wouldn't you have to leave the cabinet doors open as well Barry?

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Mike J –
Hi,

I'm a newbie to ForeTravel and was perusing this thread with curiosity. I just completed a renovation of the forward upper cabs which included removing the TV cab and re-sizing it to fit a concealed flat screen TV. Looks like a bookcase now until the bottom of cab opens and the TV drops down through it. (I have a few pictures of the build process. I will dig up what I have and compose a description/process, including materials and post to forum) (Fortunately I had scrap ForeTravel wood paneling from a renovation in the bedroom, more on that later. A good wood sealant/finish I use is Daly's Profin. It will amber out nicely and is very easy to use. It hides scratches and nicks in the cabinet wood very well.)

I'm very interested in what Barry and Cindy said about heat build up in the front cap of the coach. Factory had very little to no insulation up there in my U270. Instead a mess of wires, a switching control box and surge protectors for Bose/ old CRT TV. Seems ForeTravel built coach without concern for heat build up in that area? All my upper cabs in the coach front had wood panel backing installed too.  My TV lives inside there now. I'm wondering if I should be concerned. And/or has anyone experienced other possible damage issues regarding heat building up behind the front cap above the windshield?

Appreciate all comments, Thanks! It is good to be a forum member!

TV type makes a big difference. PO had Foretravel install 40 inch plasma. You could bake a cake in the overhead cabinet above it. Changed it out to LED and problem solved. LCD better than Plasma, but LED is the coolest and most energy efficient.    Fact Check: LED TVs
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Thin Walnut Panels for Overhead Cpmpartments

Reply #13 –
T, On our coach, our top front cabinet had smoke-color plexiglass hinged doors.  We removed doors along with back wood panel, insulated what was bare fiberglass, and now our DVRs on one side are open to see, without any doors.

We also have 3 side-by-side muffin fans on top of DVRs with an inexpensive home A/C thermostat to turn fans on when area gets hot.

Two-thirds of the above dash area is covered by a 46" TV, mounted to aluminum structure.  Space is also open behind TV.

We used the above two removed smoked plexiglass doors to make two stacked kitchen shelves.