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Old 10-09-2018, 10:48 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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replacing door on '05 Ford E450 short bus

Good Day "skoolie"rs" - I want to replace the door that came with the bus originally (see pics). It is a 2005 E 450 (5 window) short bus. Opening door measurements are 76 3/4 inches by 28 3/4 inches. Any suggestions, how-to's or leads to finding and installing this would be greatly appreciated. Andy Crawford
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Old 10-09-2018, 12:30 PM   #2
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I'm interested in this as well. I don't want to hijack your thread, but ill tell you what I've thought about. I have purchased a used camper door that is narrower than my opening by a couple inches. I plan to install it in my short bus similar to yours. The bus doors are really tall. So I was wondering what people do?

I've thought about making the step area to hold 1 or 2 batteries for the camper portion. Then utilizing a camper style of step on the outside. My reasoning is the camper door is way shorter. If I leave the steps how they are with the short door, I feel like everyone will hit their head going in it out.

Framing in: I've thought about using steel tubing for the frame to attach and I've also thought about using the composite deck boards to frame in the door. (No wood to rot)

Hopefully others will chime in and let us know the correct way to do it!
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Old 10-09-2018, 12:52 PM   #3
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Hi frochevy - and you have a curved door which is another isssue to worry about. Could you weld a steel plate to top of your door frame? Thanks for the reply.
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Old 10-09-2018, 12:53 PM   #4
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Where did you get the camper door from? Andy
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Old 10-09-2018, 12:56 PM   #5
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Yes the curved portion I didn't mention. I figured a header board from the composite wood decking. Or like you said a steel plate.

I found the door on Craigslist from a guy that is parting out a few campers. This one was the nicest door he had. I also bought a 34,000 btu propane furnace from him also.

I don't know if I overpaid, but I paid $130 for the door, frame and screen door without the keys...
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Old 10-09-2018, 01:16 PM   #6
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I just installed my rv door with opening on the top and bottom (centered new door). I used 2x4 to fill the gaps and used sheet metal to cover the 2x4 then painted it white to match the rest of the fiberglass shuttle bus. Pretty easy when you get started and sort of figure it out as you go. PS LOVE my rv door on my shuttle bus.
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Old 10-09-2018, 04:16 PM   #7
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hi leadsled01 - any pics?
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Old 10-09-2018, 04:36 PM   #8
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Have you tried a storm door? There are some available with 3 latches, tempered low-e glass.
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:12 PM   #9
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Have you tried a storm door? There are some available with 3 latches, tempered low-e glass.

Here's our Anderson storm door. It has three latches and laminated glass. Ours is 5 years old now and has worked fine. I did need to replace the hinge once but replacement parts are readily available. Make sure your rough opening is wide enough for the new door before trashing the old one.
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:35 PM   #10
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I had our local Anderson dealer come and measure for that. My opening is the right width, but too tall for theirs. I would have to fill in a 6" gap. However, IF, and that's a mighty big if, I can order a custom door for just a few(?) more $$$.
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Old 10-10-2018, 10:14 AM   #11
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Sorry but my camera hates my computer. Looks similar to roach's storm door intall.
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Old 10-10-2018, 11:21 AM   #12
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My Anderson door was also too short for the door opening but it was fairly easy to raise the lower step to fit. I used some sheets of 3/4" plywood and coated them with fiberglass resin to keep them from rotting. We don't notice the extra height on the first step.
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Old 10-13-2018, 08:18 PM   #13
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Here is an idea

Why don’t you just try this? I’m considering doing it.
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Old 10-17-2018, 03:56 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by roach711 View Post
Here's our Anderson storm door. It has three latches and laminated glass. Ours is 5 years old now and has worked fine. I did need to replace the hinge once but replacement parts are readily available. Make sure your rough opening is wide enough for the new door before trashing the old one.
I would be very concerned about that... if it is not tempered glass ... you get hit and you are getting a face full of glass shards...
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Old 10-17-2018, 04:41 PM   #15
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I would be very concerned about that... if it is not tempered glass ... you get hit and you are getting a face full of glass shards...

This door has laminated glass like a windshield. The glass may break but the plastic membrane between the two glass sheets holds the pieces together.
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Old 10-18-2018, 01:57 PM   #16
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I need to replace my bi-doors, too. Thanks for the idea of storm door. I was just going to look for a door with a window in the top half so I could see outside. I will remember Anderson doors. I have a Chevy Express 3500 cutaway (has 5 windows on the side). Maybe with the blinds inside the frame? Hmm.
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Old 10-18-2018, 03:57 PM   #17
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isnt a storm door still just single pane glass? my andersen storm door in the house seems like it would be flimsy for going down the road at 65 MPH..

-Christopher
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Old 10-18-2018, 05:17 PM   #18
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You can get them with THREE latches, top, bottom & middle, and they come with tempered safety glass and low-e as well. Well worth the $200.
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Old 10-18-2018, 06:17 PM   #19
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Anderson 10 series storm door


https://www.andersenwindows.com/wind...ed-storm-door/
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Old 10-22-2018, 09:50 PM   #20
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Quote:
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You can get them with THREE latches, top, bottom & middle, and they come with tempered safety glass and low-e as well. Well worth the $200.
https://www.andersenwindows.com/wind...doors/compare/

Unfortunately that says you can only get the laminated safety glass with the 3 latch system. Also no custom sizes.
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