GMC Screen Door

[claude brousson]

Richard-

You have to appreciate the finer aspects of screen doors. Gene said it
perfectly.
But on the practical side of things I suspect yours is out of
adjustment. It likely needs to be bent a bit here and there so it fits
against the door really well. There is no need for rattles with the
sliders. Take a fairly thick, white, or whatever color you want, shoe
lace and run it in the channels on each side of the metal sliders.If I
recall correctly I drilled small holes at each end to pull the ends
through and to stretch the lace tight. I may have used a bit of
automotive glue to help hold the laces in place and knots at the ends .
In this way the metal sliders are sliding between the laces and don't
rattle. On sliding them bag and forth there is a much smoother action as
well- what you want in a cadillac type of vehicle and not a piece of
tin!!

As well I moved my door opening strap a bit more than what Al Birch's
instructions said as it seemed to still be a bit cramped. It meant
drilling some new holes in the inside metal panel of the door, but made
an easier to open door in my opinion.

So when it is all done right, you will enjoy those cool breezes and you
won't rattle down the road,--but Gene where is that cool babbling brook
at Quartzite--guess I've just never had enough imagination.

Claude in Victoria.

 

[richard waters]

Claude,
Thanks for the tips on how to adjust my door.

> Richard-
>
> You have to appreciate the finer aspects of screen doors. Gene said it
> perfectly.
> But on the practical side of things I suspect yours is out of
> adjustment. It likely needs to be bent a bit here and there so it fits
> against the door really well. There is no need for rattles with the
> sliders. Take a fairly thick, white, or whatever color you want, shoe
> lace and run it in the channels on each side of the metal sliders.If I
> recall correctly I drilled small holes at each end to pull the ends
> through and to stretch the lace tight. I may have used a bit of
> automotive glue to help hold the laces in place and knots at the ends .
> In this way the metal sliders are sliding between the laces and don't
> rattle. On sliding them bag and forth there is a much smoother action as
> well- what you want in a cadillac type of vehicle and not a piece of
> tin!!

I think I consider making modifications to the door. Your shoe lace
idea has merit. I wondered what I could do to take the slack out of
the sliders. I'm going to try that out tomorrow.

>
>
> As well I moved my door opening strap a bit more than what Al Birch's
> instructions said as it seemed to still be a bit cramped. It meant
> drilling some new holes in the inside metal panel of the door, but made
> an easier to open door in my opinion.
>

The PO just disconnected that strap. It's still on the door, but just
hanging
loose. I'll have to take a close look at the door to see what I can do
about it.

I think Mr. Birch installed the door on my coach. At least that is what
the sales slip that I have in my files say if I remember correctly.

>
> So when it is all done right, you will enjoy those cool breezes and you
> won't rattle down the road,--but Gene where is that cool babbling brook
> at Quartzite--guess I've just never had enough imagination.
>

I think we're getting close to the end of the road for Summer. I do plan on

going to Forest City. I'll enjoy the door there.
Richard Waters '76 PB, Troy, MI

 

[claude brousson]

Darren-

Your idea for a spring loaded screen door will work, and I have seen one
party who has done this. It makes a nice clean set up and gets the
screen out of the way when not in use, and it may be the best way to go
if one can not get the curved ones any more. What i don't like about it
is that it is a little like mixing apples and oranges. I don't think a
straight screen looks right beside a curved door. I guess I am a visual
person, so to me it just doesn't look right. That is some of the reason
I drive a GMC- they look nice and don't have an upside down apple box
look to them. For my money everything I continue to do to the GMC has
got to enhance that original stream lined good look, and/ or it has to
technically upgrade it to superior technology of today or it doesn't
get done.

Claude in Victoria

 

[blank]

>
> I don't know if Alec Birch is still living or not, but
> perhaps some of you folk who are capable and inclined to
> make things, might consider acquiring Alec's permission to
> make the screen door.

FWIW, I heard that Alex's wife had once offered to sell the design and
tooling. According to the source I spoke with, the price was $40,000 - a
little steep IMHO. I've also heard that Buskirk-Rush is getting ready to
produce a similar door. During these conversations it was inferred that
there are several companies waiting until after Alex passes to introduce
their designs in deference to Alex.

Of course, this is all just scuttlebutt, so take with the appropriate amount
of salt.

Patrick