Restoring Double Wide Aluminum Case

[eyexjacket]

Was finally able to score a case in the So-Cal are for a reasonable price! Picked up this double wide aluminum tower for $150. The price reflects its condition since it did not come with the interior shelves or lighting system. It is also missing one of the handles for the right side cabinet and it has 2 major dents on the front studded rails. Despite that I'm still super stoked to get this thing restored. With that being said I could use some of your expertise to get this back in shape. I've tried digging for info in other threads but there are too many threads to go though so I would appreciate help on the following:

• What thickness of acrylic should I get for the interior shelves? Don't want them to bow with weight on them
• What cleaner to use for the marks on the aluminum?
• Where can I find a matching cabinet handle? All the ones I've found on amazon are squared off rather than round like the one on the left cabinet
• Recommendations on lighting system? Think I may get a piece of opaque acrylic to cover the cutout in the ceiling and find some sort of led lighting system to shine down through it
• I want to rekey all the locks any recommendations?
• Any recommendations on cleaning the acrylic?

Ill be posting updates I restore it!

 

[cg_y2k]

AYYY!! LETS GOOOO!!! I am noob myself when it comes to restoring these babies, but I will definitely be following this thread as I will learn myself as well

 

[eyexjacket]

Yup finally got one! @cg_y2k Cant wait to get this thing back in storefront condition!

Found these on amazon that seem to fit the measurements I took if anyone else may need to order them. Can cross that off the list for now. Not exactly identical but close enough! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVKBS3NH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[mjt42]

Some ½" aluminium tubing and a pipe bender will sort out a handle - I had the same issue of a missing handle but only had 10mm to hand. Your post has inspired me to make a proper size one!!

 

[eyexjacket]

Some ½" aluminium tubing and a pipe bender will sort out a handle - I had the same issue of a missing handle but only had 10mm to hand. Your post has inspired me to make a proper size one!!View attachment 1219487

Thanks for the idea! Ill give this a shot if I don't end up liking the ones I ordered on amazon.

 

[Macsuk]

Nice pick up mate, the locks should be easily replaceable. Any DIY or hardwear store which I think my friends in America call them, should sell those locks which are easy to fit and a direct replacement. With regards to the lighting system. The ones I have seen that look the best are done by a LED Panel. You can get them in various sizes (only seen them on a single version of yours) but they cover the cut out really well and provide great coverage to all of your items rather than spotlights. Final tip go for a light that is 5000-6500k or Natural/Daylight colour anything in a warm white will make everything look yellow and just not the best. Good luck & keep us all updated

 

[eyexjacket]

Nice pick up mate, the locks should be easily replaceable. Any DIY or hardwear store which I think my friends in America call them, should sell those locks which are easy to fit and a direct replacement. With regards to the lighting system. The ones I have seen that look the best are done by a LED Panel. You can get them in various sizes (only seen them on a single version of yours) but they cover the cut out really well and provide great coverage to all of your items rather than spotlights. Final tip go for a light that is 5000-6500k or Natural/Daylight colour anything in a warm white will make everything look yellow and just not the best. Good luck & keep us all updated

Great info on the temp for the lights ill keep this in mind. Thank you!

 

[OldSchoolLurker]

Shelves should be 3/8” thick acrylic, I can get the dimensions for you next week when I’m back at my office and I’ll double check the thickness. I would recommend going to a local sign shop to see if they have any scraps. They could cut them to size for you and it should cost next to nothing.

 

[docrusty]

You could also do probably 1/4 or 3/8 tempered glass from a glass shop. I find the acrylic will bow a bit after a period of time. Depending on your budget of course.
I had some custom shelves made for my triple wide and it was well worth it.

 

[eyexjacket]

Unfortunately I ended up selling the cabinet At first I thought I could look past the dents on the two front rails but the perfectionist in me could not lol. While cleaning the case I was able to clean most of the oxidized flaws out but could not do anything about the dents. In my opinion I cant have my pristine sunglasses showcased in a not so perfect case, especially if I have to look at it everyday. Sold it for more than I paid for it so at least I didn't lose any money over it. Ill just have to be patient and wait it out for the right case to come along. I truly appreciate all the info provided by you all. Ill certainly take what I learned and apply it to the next cabinet.