I am checking Craigslist all the time for anything retro to purchase or flip. Every once in a while I see old metal kitchen cabinets from a renovation that are being given away for free of thrown out if not picked up. When I see this I am so disappointed. These cabinets are true work horses from the kitchens of that era. If I owned a home I would jump on these and install them into my kitchen but I rent so it isn’t an option. I wanted to show how great these cabinets are so maybe I can prevent someone from throwing them away because once they are gone they are gone for good. Here is a clip with some great gals in a kitchen. Notice the cabinets. Also when watching the video look for a younger father from the movie the “Christmas Story”, and you might also notice the refrigerator was blogged about previously on our site.
A few notable makers of these cabinets are St.Charles, Crosley, Geneva, Youngstown, Morton, Avco, and even Sears. They came in many different styles and colors. Here are some examples of kitchens with these great metal cabinets.
Hepcats Haven 
I have a friend that lives in East Sac and has the original kitchen cabinets from the late 30’s. They are white and metal. She is a kitchen designer so she was smart enough to keep them. They are PERFECT! So jealous…. drool, drool – thud! (You had me Kitchen Cabinets.)
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I am jealous too! Maybe one day I will have the opportunity to own a home with those in the kitchen.
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Omigosh! That video is a scream! And Daren McGavin is so young! And, I don’t thik I’ve ever heard of gas disposers! Wow, wonder what happened to them? Great find Hepcat! You’re a surfing whiz kid. Might have to start calling you the Big Kahuna! ;- ) The metal cabinets are just dreamy aren’t they. I love the first and last ones in the pics. Gosh, if you see them being discarded you should get them, restore them & sell em! With this big retro wave going on I bet you could! You out-do yourself every day!
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That’s food for thought. I really need a shop to work out of.
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You really do need a shop – your talents are being held back not having one! I would think it would be worth it to rent a small one, maybe in one of the business parks and let your talents go wild! And lucrative for all the beautiful things you could turn out and sell.
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I know. I have started searching for a cheap shop in the Sacramento area now so I can have more room to finish projects. The bad part about restoring in your garage is every time you restore something you have to drag everything out to use and then put all of it back. That takes considerable time to do and then starts to demotivate you after awhile.
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I know what you mean – I’ve got a great paint sprayer but got to drag out the air compressor & all the paint conditioners, etc. That’s why I try to use spray cans as much as possible. And why I want to come watch you spray with cans – so I can do it as good as you!! Hint-hint ;- )
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I hope to start on the small kitchen cabinet next this week. When I get to the painting I will let you know.
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I have a set of Avco cabinets in a cabin built in 1964 and need to replace 2 hinges that have broken springs. Do you happen to know where I might find them. 4 hours of internet surfing and I have not found anything close.
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Hey Terry,
I am not sure who might be able to help you. Maybe an auto body shop can weld something up for you. Or check with a local cabinet maker to see if they have any ideas. Sometimes you have to approach things in an unorthodox way. I hope this helps!
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Thanks Hepcat, I will give that a try.
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