Converting or Securing Entrance Door

[STEMbus]

I have a 2007 Thomas Build School Bus, the entrance door is a bi-door where both are full glass panels that swing outward. I'm trying to figure out how to secure them or replace them with something more secure. Does anyone have suggestions. Here is a picture of what I'm dealing with. It operates by air compressor opening and closing mechanism that is pretty terrible.

Thanks,

Eric

 

[Tango-SKO]

Sorry but I'd want to replace those with something more like an RV door just for security.

 

[FamilyCircus]

Im planning on removing the lower panes of glass from my door and welding it together to make one solid door.

Im using an RV style door latch with a deadbolt to secure the door to the bus with a steel frame and rubber door seal.

We shall see how it works out.

 

[Tango-SKO]

Sounds like a good plan. I don't think I have ever seen a folding Skoolie door that did not leak water and wind. Especially at highway speeds.

 

[brokedown-SKO]

I"m in the process of building a remote keyless lock system for my factory doors. I like the school bus style but this door never had any locking mechanism at all.

 

[o1marc]

Don't remember what post it was, but someone today posted the process of them making their double door a single door.

 

[weboughtabus]

Don't remember what post it was, but someone today posted the process of them making their double door a single door.

I think you might have meant me! My post is here.

I have a 2007 Thomas Build School Bus, the entrance door is a bi-door where both are full glass panels that swing outward. I'm trying to figure out how to secure them or replace them with something more secure. Does anyone have suggestions. Here is a picture of what I'm dealing with. It operates by air compressor opening and closing mechanism that is pretty terrible.

I converted my door to single swing in order to preserve some semblance of the bus look. I'm planning to use the same RV Door latches that Tango linked to in this post. I'm going to have to make some additional modifications to the door, I'd imagine. For now the door is just holding itself closed with the weather stripping.

 

[o1marc]

I think you might have meant me! My post is here.



I converted my door to single swing in order to preserve some semblance of the bus look. I'm planning to use the same RV Door latches that Tango linked to in this post. I'm going to have to make some additional modifications to the door, I'd imagine. For now the door is just holding itself closed with the weather stripping.

That's the one, maybe he can get some thoughts from yours.

 

[firebuild]

I have the bi-door but with a hand-operated opener and metal latch that comes down over the opener. It definitely leaks wind but so far not water. I'm keeping them as is, though: I love my old school doors.

I have a very simple locking system, a heavy duty hasp and disc padlock at the bottom of the door. I think this, coupled with the existing lock, satisfies me. If someone were super determined to break in, they could do it, but they'd probably find busting out a window easier. But then I'm not the most security obsessed person to begin with.

 

[o1marc]

I have the bi-door but with a hand-operated opener and metal latch that comes down over the opener. It definitely leaks wind but so far not water. I'm keeping them as is, though: I love my old school doors.

I have a very simple locking system, a heavy duty hasp and disc padlock at the bottom of the door. I think this, coupled with the existing lock, satisfies me. If someone were super determined to break in, they could do it, but they'd probably find busting out a window easier. But then I'm not the most security obsessed person to begin with.

I can remove a rear door window in less than a minute without damaging it.

 

[firebuild]

I can remove a rear door window in less than a minute without damaging it.

Yup, a determined thief can get past almost anything. It's all just deterrent - how hard do they want to work?