HELP I NEED KITCHEN CABINETS .....

[newvista58]

I THINK ISUCCEEDED AT THE NEAR IMPOSSIBLE.....
But am having a Heck of a Time with what I thought would
be simple or easy. I thought I was a good savior of
wayward vintage, destined for the Heap. My confidence
is shaken / LOL.

While searching for houses I kept track of the ones that
had Vintage anything left and would circle back to inquire
about buying the items from the new owners, as 95% don't
"Want that Old Stuff".

So the First endeavor was to go after an all original
kitchen in an ALL original '63 Ranch. The new owners
contacted me the day after they closed. They said "we
hear you are interested in something from the kitchen.
What do you want?" I said the Whole Kitchen, Appliances,
Cabinets, Countertops, the whole thing. They said they
couldn't afford new cabinets so they would keep the
'63 Birch Cabinets and stick Stainless appliances in them.

SO the impossible or near impossible thing is I got All the
Appliances in one shot -- All 1963 TURQUOISE.... GE Americana
Fridge, Hotpoint Dishwasher, A Turquoise Sink, Caloric
Observador Wall Oven, Caloric Stovetop and Matching Hood.

I've been hunting cabinets in houses for sale, and either
get told the New Owner definitely wants to remodel, and
will be in touch......CRICKETS. The Selling Agent thinks
my request to buy the cabinets is crazy and won't respond
to my query, and the latest, when I approached the new owner
of a Cape, a year ago for the Birch Cabinets, he said, "OH No.
It's in Great Shape, and all the appliances are working. We
are going to leave it." I guess he didn't really get the wife's
perspective.

3-4 Weeks ago I saw a dumpster at the house.
I walked up the drive and he was working on the car. He
called me by my name and clearly remembered me. I said,
"I see the dumpster, and was wondering if you were ready to
remodel the Kitchen"... He Replied....... OH NO.....

WE TORE THAT OUT LAST YEAR AND THREW IT AWAY.....

That Was Painful.

Why has it been so difficult to get a set of Cabinets that
are so prevalent? I have NEVER asked for them for free,
I've offered to buy them from everyone I've approached,
about 5-7 Houses now. I really like that look, and need them
for my appliances so I can do the kitchen.

SO, if anybody knows where there are cabinets like these, SEE the
Pic, please let me know if the may be purchased.

Thanks for listening to my Babbling / LOL.

Best Washes,

Louis

 

[mattl]

One of the issues you may run into with those types of cabinets is that they often were built on site.  That will make them difficult  at best and more likely - impossible- to salvage.  My suggestion?  If you really want that look, then simply build them yourself.  They are quite simple and birch plywood is readily available at any home improvement store.  There is no reason to use all birch, the boxes can be any sturdy material.

 

[d-jones]

I agree with Matt.

Your best bet to get truly vintage looking cabinets that fit as though they were made for your kitchen is to make them for your kitchen. You'd be surprised how doable it actually is. The cabinets seen in your photo above have very simple lines. I wouldn't hesitate to build them myself.

 

[newvista58]

THANKS DAVID AND MATT....

You both are right, and I know that these were built
for each kitchen. I had remotely thought of building
them, but with moving in, I have so many projects
it would be easier to start with something and
tailor it to my kitchen.

My Kitchen layout is pretty simple. I thought
if I got a good set of these cabinets I could
section them, as needed and always get additional
birch plywood if necessary.

I will keep the building option in mind, but I
would really like to start with an original
set, since Everything in the house will be
vintage.

I even like the set of the MCM Cabinets, in
birch and Copper, in the Shoppers Forum, but
Phoenix is a bit far to pick up or ship/LOL.

I'll drive as far as Chicago to pick up or
ship something, but that's about the limit.

Thanks for your input, and for answering
me.

Louis

 

[funktionalart]

For what it's worth~

Louis~
I'm sort of in the same boat here in Phoenix. My kitchen is not large at all...and recently just bit the bullet and installed Ikea cabinetry which is in the simple 60s / modern style I love. All worked out great...but still need more (and don't want to spend a whole load of $$ atop what's been blown already).

My dining room is going to serve as sort of a secondary kitchen which means cabinetry all 'round (there are 2 fridges in there)....and the want/need for vintage in that room drives a never ending Habitat for Humanity/ Stardust Building supply and Craigslist search. The stuff IS out there. It's relatively plentiful...you just have to be devout in your searching because people can't be relied upon to hold on to stuff for you that they remove.

As the other guys mentioned, building it yourself is what it may come down to...OR you can have very basic boxes built for you and simply source or make the simple birch faces yourself. I know what a pain it is for time considerations...but when what we want and need is specific enough, sometimes there's just no other option unless you don't mind long, long waits to complete the project.

Alternatively, find some good used cabinets which need some cleanup and have doors you hate or are really in tacky/outdated style (those can be incredibly cheap as no one wants them...). Use the basic units and just replicate doors and faces in what material you prefer. THAT can be a very cheap and effective way to go.

Allen

 

[retropia]

Our local Habitat for Humanity ReStore almost always has complete sets of kitchen cabinets that were removed for a remodel. They represent various vintages, often 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

Regularly check your nearby ReStore and I'd be surprised if you don't find something you like.

 

[newvista58]

THANKS ALLEN & DOUG.....

For your suggestions. I've been diligent in approaching
new buyers of homes with these kitchens. I always ask to
buy the cabinets, not expect them for free. And I always
offer to remove them myself. I wouldn't ask anyone to
hold onto a set of these, as I would want them ASAP, to
assure that I got them. However, no deal has gone far
enough, as most everyone to date, has taken greater pleasure
in letting me know that they "ripped them out, and threw
them away.

Doug, I do check the Restore often, and have inquired about
the cabinets, but have been told that they will not take in
these cabinets, and therefore have had none to sell.

I will definitely keep up my search.

Thanks again.

Louis