February 5, 2017

I installed a small wall behind the bookcase, just past the A/C return. Using scrap plywood, I created
the new duct to direct the return air behind the bookcase.

A view from the front shows the short end wall of the new return duct.

Leftover plywood completes the top of the duct as well.

Next, the inside of the duct was painted with two coats of flat black paint. This included the back and
sides of the first bookcase box, which will complete the duct when installed.

The black paint is purely aesthetic. Anyone looking in the new return grate will see only black.

A view of the new duct from the front.

The first box is slid into place, showing the completed duct. The new return grate will be to the left.

Looking into the completed duct, all you really see is a black void.

With the bookcase removed and looking from the front, you can see weatherstripping I installed
to seal the short end wall to the bookcase box. It is actually weatherstripping used for the bottoms
of garage doors. So it should last forever.

With the duct completed, drywall install begins.

Drywall is installed on both ends of the bookcase.

I also cut a piece to replace the section I removed.

The bookcase boxes are in place, but still need to be permanently installed.

Things are starting to take shape.

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