Window Shelves
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4196
Printed Date: 19 May 2025 at 6:34am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Window Shelves
Posted By: fwunder
Subject: Window Shelves
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2013 at 6:17pm
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When we took our first trip we found ourselves stowing small items on top of window valances. Obviously a shelf belongs there! Besides, not much holding those things up. In my 178 it's just three #8 wood screws angled in - two on one side and one on the other. Feels surprisingly strong for such minimal attachment. I (we) don't like exposed (attachment) hardware. I also think Frank Lloyd Wright was a crazy old coot with an amazing talent for designing and building things that lots of folks said wouldn't work. Sooo, I came up with a small cantilevered shelf. The support is a 1" angled aluminum from Home Depot, cut drilled and countersunk. It's attached to the wall w/industrial strength double back tape and #10 1" wood screws set in 3M 5200 adhesive. It's not going anywhere (famous last words). It's raised just high enough (1/8") so shelf does not rest on valance. I'll probably put a couple of small angle braces (shown) on either side of the blind and hidden by valance just cuz. The shelf appears to be resting on the valance, but it is actually very well supported by the aluminum rail and all the supporting hardware is hidden by the valance. The slot for the cantilever shelf is made by my Forrest Woodworker II table saw blade which makes the perfect slot for the 1/8 aluminum. You could use a router table, but this is fast and easy. The ceiling angles (shelf and molding) are easy using a compass and mockup wood. I use MDF for my mockups. Now, just have to seal, stain, varnish and assemble and move on to next window. Fun!     Do Your best and caulk the rest! :) ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: sandlapper
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2013 at 6:42pm
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That is a slick idea. I think I will do that as well. Thanks for posting this. ------------- sandlapper StarPod |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2013 at 7:03pm
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Nice JOB!!!!! Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: The Pod Couple
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2013 at 7:43pm
That looks amazing. I will share this with my husband!  ------------- Larry &Pat The Pod Couple 2001 Ford F150 2014 RPod 178 |
Posted By: rex
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2013 at 8:32pm
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Good job ------------- jrr |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2013 at 9:16pm
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Jeez folks. Thanks, but I still got all kinds of ways to screw up before co-captain signs off! BTW, 36"x1" aluminum angle: $9.97 (one window) 48" Maple Galley rail $14.83 (one window) 1x5x6' select pine shelf: $13.96 (two windows) I chose pine instead of maple or oak or teak just for price. Various bits of hardware, adhesives, drills, bits, countersinks, table saw, miter saw, router table and routers, jig saws and band saw, kick ass shop stereo and a wife that let's me have all that stuff: priceless! ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: francoisfrogpod
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2013 at 4:11am
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We did this in our pod. We used "spice" shelves from Ikea. They are unfinished wood when you buy them so you can stain them any color. They are life savers for all the "stuff" that one accumulates and lose track of otherwise. We even have one that is devoted to nothing but dog stuff, brush, toys, etc. I'd post a picture, but for some reason, I don't see the picture icon.
------------- Denny and Linda 2013 Pod 177 '08 Santa Fe |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2013 at 10:41am
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You need to go to "full edit" mode. Use the Post Reply button under the last post, or use the little arrow that points up-and-to-the-right just above the Quick Reply box.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: geklund
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2013 at 12:10pm
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------------- 182G 2011 Hood River Edition F-150 5.4L |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2013 at 6:16pm
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Taking from bhamster's shelf idea (Lowes 72" lattice shelf) and using the same technique described above, this shelf came out quite nice. There is only two mechanical connections for the shelf. It is surprisingly strong. I did have to laminate another 3/4 piece of wood to the wall side of the shelf to accommodate my inset angled shelf bracket. I also used the bathroom plumbing access to glue in a 3/4" backing plate for the inboard shelf rail - there was no stud.   ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 21 Nov 2013 at 11:43am
Just to finish this with pics of the final front and rear window shelf install. A good starting point for ceiling angle (my Pod) was 47.5 degrees. Just a hair steeper inboard. On to the next mod...  ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: headcold
Date Posted: 21 Nov 2013 at 8:24pm
| Nice design. What adhesive did you use? |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 21 Nov 2013 at 9:16pm
Thanks HC. I used 3M 5200 marine adhesive caulk. I have used it for 30+ years messing about in boats. Be forewarned, if you have not used it before it *will* end up on your hands, your pants, the dog's paws and the cat's tail! fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: headcold
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2013 at 12:09pm
| Again, thanks much. A longer reply is my private message to you. |