DIY Network

Airstream: Replacing the Tambour From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-205

In this final segment host Kevin Tetz replaces the tambour cabinets in both the bedroom and kitchen with metal laminate tambour--like a roll-top desk. The bedroom is completed with beautiful, rich faux leather cushion covers and pillows, which adds warmth, color and comfort much like a mid-century train berth.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	The restored bedroom features a beautiful gaucho couch!

Replacing the Tambour

Tambour is narrow strips of wood that are glued to a backing to make the material flexible. This application works basically the same as a window shade.

Note: Be sure to inspect the rods well. Test and make sure the springs are still loaded.

1. Use the old tambour as a pattern on your new. Make sure the slats are relatively close to the width of the original (figure A) because you need clearance to go around the edge of the guide.

2. Line the old tambour up with the new and mark the cut line.

3. Use tin snips to cut the new tambour. Next line up the new tambour with the original wood rod and mark the screw holes using a center punch. Then drill the holes into the new tambour with a slow drill. Keep the drill at a slow speed to keep the bit from locking.

4. Use small wood screws to attach it to the wood rod. The original pole is used for the bottom edge (figure B), but make sure it is center. Simply pull it back, and using 1/8" rivets, rivet through the original holes on the backside.

5. Install the rod and screw the tambour to the rod after it's pre-loaded.

6. Put the pin side of the rod into the left hand bracket and put the slot inside into the guide on the right-hand side.

7. With the rod in place roll it back toward you and pre-load the internal spring.

8. Once you have tension, hold it in place and attach the screws to the rod, which attaches the tambour.

9. Screw the tambour into the rod while keeping the tension in the internal spring. Don’t let it go, but ease it back into place (figure C) and it will go up on its own.

In the next episode Kevin tackles the Airstream kitchen restoration.

RESOURCES :

Brushed Aluminum Mini-Blinds 1/2" Slat Light Lines
Hunter Douglas Window Fashions
2 Parkway, Rt. 17 S
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Toll-free: 800-789-0331
Website: www.hunterdouglas.com

Pleated Folding Door
United Shade, LLC
28605 C.R. 6
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-262-0954
Fax: 574-262-0908
Website: www.unitedshade.com

Bed Cushion
Restored in lush faux leather
Ultra Fabrics
Ultrafabrics, LLC
400 Executive Blvd.
Elmsford, NY 10523
Phone: 760-745-7621
Website: www.ultrafabricsllc.com

Decor Tambour in Brushed Aluminum Veneer Winona Manufacturing
24 Laird St.
PO Box 1283
Toll-free: 800-826-2687
Website: www.winonamanufacturing.com

Portable Blasting System and Restoration Supplies
Eastwood Company
The Easthill Group, Inc.
265 Shoemaker Rd.
Pottstown, PA 19464
www.eastwoodco.com

Classic Rides Logo
Randy Russell
Russell's Signs
308 Mill St.
Pulaski, TN 38478
Phone: 931-363-6679