Taking apart an old cabinet.

[etumor]

I picked up an old cabinet today which I am planning on restoring.  In order for me to do what needs to be done, it needs to be taken completely apart.  Unfortunately, the blocking inside that holds it all together was "stapled" in originally.  I can't figure out a way to take it apart without destroying the blocking (not a big deal since it is easily replaced) and severely damaging the main pieces of the machine that the blocking is attached to (which is a very big deal).

I'm quickly coming to the conclusion that it would be easier to replace almost every piece in the machine using fresh plywood, and using the old parts (which I would nearly destroy removing) as guides to cut the replacement pieces.

However, I would prefer to keep as much of this machine original as possible, but I also want to have a really good looking machine when I'm finished.

Any suggestions on how to take this thing apart?

-Jeff

[SirPeale]

It sounds like the cabinet is solid, if you're having that much of a problem taking it apart.  Why do you have to?

[southpaw13]

It sounds like a Dragon's Lair to me.  If you want the full restore affect, then break it down and start from scratch.  The only way to get the vinyl right on the inside will be to take it apart 100%...

[JustMichael]

I took some of the blocking out in my cabinet.  The blocking was stapled in as well.  The pieces that I took out came out pretty much in tact with a little persuasion (hammer).  The sidewalls were just fine afterwards.