Introduction: 1950's Sears Homart Medicine Cabinet Refurb

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About: Technical Editor for two magazines. Software tester for the computer controlled electronic brakes of Locomotives.

For our 1950's Bathroom remodel, we wanted an original 1950's Medicine Cabinet, NOT one of the modern cheap (in quality, but expensive price) copies. Plus what people think was 1950's, really wasn't! We found one but it needed a refurb. It was an original Sears Homart, with twin T12 Florescent lights, glass shelves and a metal case. And unlike most modern repo's , it insets into the wall.

Step 1: Repaint the Interior

The interior had some rust, so the inside surfaces of the box were wet sanded, Rustolium Rusty Metal primed and painted Rustolium Porcelain Hard White Enamel and left to dry for 3 days. (Yes the Porcelain Hard White Enamel takes that long to dry!)

Step 2: Prepping the Wall for the Medicine Cabinet

While I waited for the porcelain paint to dry, I framed the wall and installed a dedicated electric feed. Note: Make sure you have enough wire to connect to the Medicine Cabinet outside the wall, because you have to hold the cabinet and connect the feed wire to the cabinet's connections, then slip the cabinet into the wall. It takes three hands or two people, whichever is easier!

Step 3: Test Fit!

A quick check to make sure the box actually fit the wall opening.

Step 4: Wiring

All the wiring was good, except for the receptacle located on the bottom of the right fluorescent light. A bit of new wire, some solder, shrink tube, two spade connectors and a modern socket and we were good to go.

Note: If you do not have training in home wiring or have doubts, DON"T!

Step 5: Door Catch

Long ago, the door catch either fell out or was broken. Apparently (although I have never seen a working catch), a ball plunger threaded into a stud inside the wall. Never going to find a replacement, so I improvised. I purchased a bag of 3/8" ball bearings from Amazon to get just one. The 3/8" bearing is just larger than the factory hole so it won't fall into the hole. This ball bearing was then super glued into the open plunger hole. Then the door catch was bent until it would spring inward over the ball bearing as the door was closed. It is trial and error until you get the amount of door resistance that you desire.

Step 6: Finished Product

There she is, chrome polished, mirror cleaned and ready for use. The light switch is a simple toggle located on the bottom of the left fluorescent light.

And this project was just one of many to get a 1950's Bathroom with all original components. Nothing is a repo! Cast iron sink, Medicine Cabinet, Heater, even the towel bars and soap dish and tooth brush holder are period!

Anal? OK! Your point?