When I bought this bus I though the double door was really cool. Now that I'm in and out a lot without the air assist I'm realizing it's not such a good choice. I'd like to replace it with a single door. Where do I look? Here in northern Michigan there isn't any salvage yards with busses. I have to go online or start calling around.
Then, once I do find a replacement... I might need help understanding the process.
So, first question, is it realistic to replace?
Second, where do I look?
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi887.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac78%2Fcozyheatdave%2FCoach%2F2011-05-14_14-27-40_838.jpg%3Ft%3D1305398032&hash=1045165d3022df7e696e3166e6489a45459da73b)
Yes, you can change it, and all the mounting points are in there waiting for you.
Lots of old coaches sitting out the back of the local charter companies, go for a drive.
Even Greyhound has coaches half stripped out back of most every facility here in Canada.
Quietly, with a fist of cash, see the shop foreman, privately, and go from there. Don't talk to anyone else about anything, before, during or after. The reason for seeing the foreman, and who you are or what you are up to is nobody's business.
Out to the yard, discrete, get your stuff and get out.
Get all of it, hinges, closer, air lock, both under dash valves, the release and the one on the door closing mechanism, nuts, screws, spacers.
You'll need a helper, the door is heavy. Also a way to transport it without breaking the glass.
Do it right, you might get more help later. Do it wrong, you screw it up for yourself and those who follow.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Seems to me there was an article in Bus Conversions Mag. a little while ago about making a single door from double doors...Cable
Both helpful comments.
Making the double into a single... that will put some brain cells to work this weekend.
Now I don't know which way to go, but that's intriguing...
Any one else have experience or suggestions?
Quote from: Tikvah on May 14, 2011, 01:13:42 PMMaking the double into a single... that will put some brain cells to work this weekend.
Gene Lewis from North Carolina posted a very comprehensive how-to on this on his website. I've lost the URL but it should be out there somewhere. I was in worse shape than you -- I had to convert two double doors (and "accordeon" doors, at that) to a single door and I had to put the single door on the opposite side of the bus, including building in a step up and entryway into the floor. I followed Gene's basic design. What I did was metal cutting, welding, and other fabricating but it wasn't bad.
Buswarrior has some good advice and it will save you alot of labor labor vs converting the current door to a one piece.