help finding parts for bureau set?

[iamlachesis]

(x-posted to the prov_ri community)
I have a Thomasville dresser set that is no longer being manufactured, and I need two brackets of similar shape (A "V" with flanges, with holes in the flanges for screws) for attaching the mirror to the bureau. I already emailed the Thomasville website, and they did not make/sell any parts for items more than one year out of production. I already also tried Home Depot for a similar idea, and they had nothing.

Anyone know where I can get such a thing? Or failing that, where I can "make something up"?

It needs to support a maple wood mirror about 3 feet tall, and be able to fit "L" shaped metal rods.

NB: I live in Providence, RI but I work in Waltham, MA. Anything local to either would be great.
Thanks!

Comments

[lachesis.livejournal.com]

I already did that, and they had nothing in fasteners, mirrors, bathroom, shelving, or otherwise.

[julishka.livejournal.com]

does the mirror swing on these supports? are there two bars that support the mirror on either side? or, is the support system in the back and not visible from the front at all?

if the side, maybe something at this site might help?
http://www.paxtonhardware.com/Misc.%20Hdw/MiscHdw.html

(i'm browsing through a few other sites, too...will post anything else i find.)

[lachesis.livejournal.com]

I checked your link (thanks!, btw), and this isnt quite what I need -
as its no longer accessible on the website, (style #11411-260" "Camille" cant be found) maybe this would help -

The setup of Mirror/Bureau is as such:

Mirror has one center panel, and two half-width sized panels, one per side. All the weight is supported thru the center panel, which is slightly bigger than the sides, letting the sides swing free on hinges attached to the center. The finished wood molding base of the mirror rests on the bureau, and the mirror is supported from the back through the center panel via two (missing) rods and three sets of two "V" brackets to hold up the rods; one/set for each side of the center panel.

Since it didnt come with support rods, the strongest thing I could find was 4 foot long "L" shaped metal (vs aluminum) rods that fit thru the v brackets - unfortunately, the last place they connect is at the bottom of the mirror, which leaves the top of the mirror unsupported, and it leans away/forward from the metal rods that come up behind it, since the weight of the side panels pulsl it down (presumably).

What I need is something that will be able to screw into the back of the mirror more toward the top, that will fit the existing L-rods I have already.

Sorry for the long explanation, but it might help.
And thanks again!

[julishka.livejournal.com]

that totally makes sense. what i think you need to do is make new supports if you can't find the hardware for the old one.

thinking about old mirror/dresser combinations i've seen, i think you'll need to use some wood, or strong metal rods that can run the height of the mirror and then slot into holders on the bottom.

perhaps take an afternoon and check out some antique/used furniture shops to see how their dresser/mirror combinations attach and see if that gives you any ideas on how to modify yours.

[rapier1.livejournal.com]

I'm not really getting a good visual on what you need. Can you post a drawing of it? In anycase, fudging something would depend on how much weight it needs to support and how much stress it would be under at any one time. It all really depends on exactly what its supposed to be doing.

If you are just looking at supporting the mirror get some steel bar(around 1 - 1.5" wide and 1/4" thick or so) from home depot. You can pick these up in the same section as the threaded steel rods (usually by the nuts and bolts). Cut it to length (probably around 4 feet and drill holes at the appropriate locations (you'll probably want carbide tips and maybe some 3 in 1 oil at point where you drill - someties they have these bars predrilled though). The dresser probably has a center wood support going vertically along the back (it might not be visible from the back but if take a drawer out you will probably see it there). Align the bar to this. Attach at the top with wood screws, then at the base of the mirror, then the top of the dresser, and then into the center support on the back of the dresser. This will provide you with the majority of the support. Then, to cut down on any twisting or torsion use two smaller flat support reinforcement bars (predrilled and around 2 inches long and 1/3 to 1/2 inch wide) on the left and right bottom corners of the mirror (attaching to the dresser itself). It won't be the most visually appealing fix but how much time will you spend looking at the back of the dresser anyway? All in all this probably won't run you more than $8 for the metal. maybe $4 for the drill bit if you need it. If you don't have a drill... well... thats a different story.

[lachesis.livejournal.com]

hey thanks for the tips!

If you want more details, check the comments in this entry; I responded at length to someone else's questions about it.