Modification of Perfecto Pine Stand

[Nick]

I have a 72" long black pine stand made my Perfecto Manufacturing that I would like to modify in some fashion. The attached picture is an example of what I have.
The problem I have with the state of the one I currently have is that while it seems structurally sound it appears to be of very cheap construction. From my experience in the my past with an identical unit but for a 90g tank, the paint would easily fade and chip. Not to mention the wood is very rough and it seems like every time I cleaned it I was leaving pieces of paper towel attached to the stand.
So what I plan to do....

At a minimum I want to sand down the stand and smooth out every surface and then repaint it with a much higher quality paint. I will also add a bit more bracing (even though the previous owner did some of his own already). I have the extra 2x4's so why not?

At a maximum, if I can  afford it and have the ambition, I would like to upgrade the exterior of the stand to something more finished looking. My initial thought is to simply attached new boards like an exoskeleton to the exterior of the stand. Along with all of the other mods as well.

For now I am hoping one of you fine people would either have experience doing something of a similar nature or perhaps know of a link that shows similar aspects of what I am referring to. I have looked a bit tonight on my own but am finding limited results.

 

[Ron]

I have one manufactured stand with rough wood as well and have the same problem with paper towels falling apart if I try to clean it.   



If I read correctly, you want to:
- Upgrade the framing
- Upgrade the outer skin
- Sand it all
- Paint it all

... Which to me begs the question, why not just make a nice one from scratch?

[Nick]

Lol, good point Ron. Let me clarify.
Realistically I won't do the sanding and painting if I put new panels on it. Basically I would just give it a fancy exterior. Cheaper than starting fresh. Upgrading the framing I believe will be as simple as adding a few support boards writhing the old skeleton.

Knowing myself.....I'll probably just sand it, paint and reinforce. But still would like to see someone else's endeavor down the same road for unforseen mishaps.

My dad has the paint and the sanding just takes time so at this point it's a zero cash project....but we all know how those end up.

When I do have the cash I'd like to build a canopy though....that could be fun.