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Topic: Tambour Door Maintenance  (Read 1506 times) previous topic - next topic

Tambour Door Maintenance

I've been "feeding" the woodwork in our rig with Howard Feed-N-Wax while I wait for our new windshield to arrive (scheduled for next week). It's been a very satisfying job seeing the transformation. This stuff does an amazing job getting rid of scratch marks and darkening faded spots (and smells pleasant too). I've used over half a bottle in the kitchen and hall, this wood is thirsty!

I have a question about the tambour cabinet doors, specifically how to get them to open all the way. I've read posts about cleaning sticky rails, but that's not exactly what I'm experiencing. Many of the doors slide easily at first, but stop before the door opens all the way. Some can coerced into opening a bit further, but I hate to force them. I've tried cleaning and lubing the bottom rails, but I can't access the area inside the rolled up portion. Do I have to remove the entire unit to clean?

The first picture is the cabinet adjacent to the entry steps, which only opens about 3/4 of the way, compared this to the picture of the double cabinet in the bedroom, both of which easily open all the way.
1991 Grand Villa 36' of Freedom
Detroit 8.2 turbo, Allison 4 speed
Model G91382636SBIORED8.2
Oshkosh Chassis VC20RD2

Re: Tambour Door Maintenance

Reply #1 –
Possibly one of the small wood pieces you see on the front of the door has come loose?
It is very simple to remove and replace the tambour door and the vertical & horizontal track. I have removed a couple in our '89 GV coach and it is not difficult. Don't be afraid to remove the two screws on the top and the two on the bottom and then just tip in towards the outside wall and then maneuver it out. Much better than forcing the door. Oh, all the doors are designed to open all the way.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Tambour Door Maintenance

Reply #2 –
Is is safe to assume that all tambour doors across the years are the same?

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Tambour Door Maintenance

Reply #3 –
Quote
Do I have to remove the entire unit to clean?

Man, I love those tambour doors. I agree with nighthawk. The best way is to remove them. I took them all out of my 95, cleaned them well, oiled them and used a bit of silicone on the runners. They always worked perfectly after that. The screws holding the tracks down are Robertson (square head) and are a bit awkward to get to. Worth the effort though.

Regarding whether they are the same across years, I am guessing so. Probably best to check with Foretravel to be sure.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Tambour Door Maintenance

Reply #4 –
thanks for the info. A couple of mine are somewhat sticky, didn't know how to work on them.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Tambour Door Maintenance

Reply #5 –
Thanks nighthawk, I did not realize they were supposed to open that far, fully exercised my doors tonight with a little bit more gentle persuasion until they all open all the way.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Tambour Door Maintenance

Reply #6 –
Excellent advice, thanks! We too love these doors, they definitely caught our attention when we first saw the coach. After removing the frame I found what I think is technically referred to as "schmutz" in the bottom rail. I cleaned it out and applied some bees wax to the top and bottom of the door. Much better!
1991 Grand Villa 36' of Freedom
Detroit 8.2 turbo, Allison 4 speed
Model G91382636SBIORED8.2
Oshkosh Chassis VC20RD2