Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/13/2010

Question
Eileen,  I purchased a used rolltop desk (unknown manufacture) and the tambour is missing.  I found a website that sells replacement tambour but I'm not sure of the size I need.  I measured the opening and it measures 49 and 5/8". The groove measures right at 1/4 ( 1/2 " total for the two sides.  The groove has a plastic track that is installed, therefore I don't think this is a very old desk.  I believe I would need a 50 " tambour (correct?) and the length is approximately 22 inches ( this is the length of the track/groove that would support the exposed portion of the tambour once the roll is closed.)

How does one install the replacement?  The web site for replacements has an FAQ section and I was told to remove the back of the desk and look for the "exit groove".  I've looked at this desk and don't see anything like that.

Is my only option to pay some professional to do this task for me?

John in Georgia
willing and able . . .

Answer
Hi John In Georgia
Nice to hear from you.
Well you certainly cannot get anything shorter than the 50 inches or it won't fit will it?
But its possible you may have to sand off a fraction of an inch for it to slide freely.
The length is not so important (as long as its long enough to cover the opening), as you can always remove a slat if its too long. Its just a canvas back holding the slats together.
You are going to have to completely remove the top section from the bottom section.
Once its apart the tambour should easily slide into the groove.
Turn the desk over to determine how it was put together.
A newer one like this could have dowels and screws or just screws..it varies.
It may take some studying but it went together at that point so it will come apart.
And it definitely will not be glued around the entire sides where the roll top meets the desk.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen