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Old 07-21-2017, 07:06 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Is there a reason to keep hydraulic door opener?

I finally changed my original school bus door in favor of a regular house door, and I'm wondering if there is any reason that I'd want to keep the original hydraulic door opener? If so, how would I make it work considering that the door now opens out?

I expected the door conversion to be much harder, but it only took about an hour. The door was 36 inches and in a frame, but I didn't need the frame because the original bus frame worked great.

I had to cut about 5 inches off the top and another 2 inches off the side, and then I attached the original hinges from the door directly to the metal bus frame using self tapping screws.
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Old 07-21-2017, 09:04 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by Summ1 View Post
I finally changed my original school bus door in favor of a regular house door, and I'm wondering if there is any reason that I'd want to keep the original hydraulic door opener? If so, how would I make it work considering that the door now opens out?

I expected the door conversion to be much harder, but it only took about an hour. The door was 36 inches and in a frame, but I didn't need the frame because the original bus frame worked great.

I had to cut about 5 inches off the top and another 2 inches off the side, and then I attached the original hinges from the door directly to the metal bus frame using self tapping screws.
I don't see why you would need it. You could fab some sort of lever to change the pull motion to a push motion, but I don't know what benefit (besides being a cool project) it would serve.
It is probably taking up space you could use for something else.


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Old 07-22-2017, 03:17 AM   #3
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the only openers i have seen are air doors, not hydraulic. i alway remove the cylinders as there is a space for storage, and cylinders with valve can be used for other applications.
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Old 07-22-2017, 10:29 AM   #4
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the only openers i have seen are air doors, not hydraulic. i alway remove the cylinders as there is a space for storage, and cylinders with valve can be used for other applications.
I mistakenly called them hydraulic, but yes they are air powered doors. Please tell me more about removing the cylinders and the storage space that you mentioned?
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Old 07-22-2017, 03:38 PM   #5
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I like that idea!.
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Old 07-22-2017, 06:12 PM   #6
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the air cylinder is above the door in the roof on the side of the bus. there is a panel that can be removed (access) and the small line capped off n the cylinder linkage and unbolted. Every bus I have converted, I have removed the cylinder and made a hinged door for storage (small space but usable) Space is appropriate size for pistols, money, etc..
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Old 09-14-2022, 11:24 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by chev49 View Post
the air cylinder is above the door in the roof on the side of the bus. there is a panel that can be removed (access) and the small line capped off n the cylinder linkage and unbolted. Every bus I have converted, I have removed the cylinder and made a hinged door for storage (small space but usable) Space is appropriate size for pistols, money, etc..
How do you cap off the air line if you remove the old door?
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Old 09-14-2022, 01:00 PM   #8
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I use a ball bearing and an old cap to seal off the air line, just put the ball bearing in the cap/nut and tighten. I cut an oval hole in my space above where my door was and yes a pistol, CD's, maps etc store well there. McMaster Carr has some "U" shaped rubber edge trim to make it look professional and take care of the sheet metal cut problem too. I am sure you cold use some of it for other projects where ragged sheet metal edges create a problem. Need a piano hinge for your project, door handle, lock, look around and you will be amazed at the million of products McMaster Carr has on line, largest hardware store in the world.
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