Replacing bus door with storm door???

[leadsled01]

Has anyone ever replaced the bus door with a storm door? Any insight would be appreciated. I definately want it to be insulated with a screen window for summertime ventalation. I'm thinking deadbolt locks top and bottom while driving. What have you seen or done? My bus has an RV style door on it now but the only replacement I can find is $450 plus shipping which is out of the question.Not to mention no screen for ventilation.
Maybe I could build a door similar to a shed door with a window in it?

[nat_ster]

There are a few of us on here that have replaced the door with a residential house door.

Some have built a door from scratch. For what you want, that may be best.

I would have to do some serious digging to find them, as they were done some time ago. Other members may chime in with links to the build threads.

Nat

[roach711]

We replaced our stock bifold doors with an Anderson 4000 security storm door. Two years down the road it's holding up nicely. For an insect screen we used one of those Magic Mesh hanging screens which work fairly well and are easy to remove and store when no bugs are about.

Here's a link to the build. Scroll down to the next-to-last message.

viewtopic.php?f=36&t=11224&start=75

[somewhereinusa]

I built mine, post here at bottom of page. If I had to do it again, I would do the same with some the build sequence different.
http://www.skoolie.net/forum/viewtop...=9827&start=15

Dick

[putterspitt]

mine was 150, check around some rv places...ask if they have any old stock

[leadsled01]

Thanks guys, I will read your build threads and decide.

[Stuff]

did that on mine because I had a weird sized door. they are super flimsy. had to put a couple more latches on the door at top and bottom for when going down the road.

[leadsled01]

Originally Posted by Stuff

did that on mine because I had a weird sized door. they are super flimsy. had to put a couple more latches on the door at top and bottom for when going down the road.

Thanks for the input.

[Tango]

If you have some basic welding skills (or can convince a friend who does)...and...have an opening that is flat & square...building a door is actually relatively easy. I emphasize the "flat & square" because as it turns out my '46, is not square and does NOT have flat sides but rather a very slight, almost imperceptible curve...and it was a frikken nightmare to accommodate!

It is now complete & ready to install, but I would not do it again knowing what I know now.

Flat/square = Easy
Curved/not square = #@$%&#!

Just my dos centavos.

[leadsled01]

Originally Posted by Tango

If you have some basic welding skills (or can convince a friend who does)...and...have an opening that is flat & square...building a door is actually relatively easy. I emphasize the "flat & square" because as it turns out my '46, is not square and does NOT have flat sides but rather a very slight, almost imperceptible curve...and it was a frikken nightmare to accommodate!

It is now complete & ready to install, but I would not do it again knowing what I know now.

Flat/square = Easy
Curved/not square = #@$%&#!

Just my dos centavos.

I have read your build. I have considered building my own since I do have welding/fabricating skills but thats time I could using for other things. Always a time vs money thing.
Not to change subjects but I took the bus on a 5 hour each way trip to Hatfield and McCoy trails this last weekend and the bus did awesome! Except the front brakes pads wore down enoght to ruin the rotors. Still a very successful maiden voyage.

[Tango]

Another option is to run your measurements through the inventories of new & used rv/camper doors. There have been a number of folks who managed to find the perfect fit and many others who found something close enough that only very minor work was necessary to make it work. And many of the better ones come with an inside screen, main window, latch/lock and often even a smaller & lower "curb view" window. Just saw a ton on Ebay. Also check with some of the used rv parts houses. Lots of goodies out there. Good luck with it.

[nat_ster]

Foam core residential entry door, plain slab are around $100.

No door knob holes, no window. Cut to height, drill knob holes, attach with a piano hinge.

Windows and inserts can be cut in anywhere. I would install one with a opening window with screen, and built in blinds. However a insert with all that cost almost as much as the door.

All it takes is a few metal pieces formed up to make the opening.

Good R value for a door , and quicker than making your own.

Nat

[leadsled01]

Originally Posted by Tango

Another option is to run your measurements through the inventories of new & used rv/camper doors. There have been a number of folks who managed to find the perfect fit and many others who found something close enough that only very minor work was necessary to make it work. And many of the better ones come with an inside screen, main window, latch/lock and often even a smaller & lower "curb view" window. Just saw a ton on Ebay. Also check with some of the used rv parts houses. Lots of goodies out there. Good luck with it.

I've been looking at ebay, but mine is 30x80 with curved top , its taller than most on ebay and the shipping is killing the ones I do find. I will call my local RV dealer for something in the back room.

[leadsled01]

Originally Posted by nat_ster

Foam core residential entry door, plain slab are around $100.

No door knob holes, no window. Cut to height, drill knob holes, attach with a piano hinge.

Windows and inserts can be cut in anywhere. I would install one with a opening window with screen, and built in blinds. However a insert with all that cost almost as much as the door.

All it takes is a few metal pieces formed up to make the opening.

Good R value for a door , and quicker than making your own.

Nat

Seriously considering this route..
FYI I found brand new rotors on craigslist for half what new costs!!