screen door installation

kstockwell

Member
May 24, 2016
376
1
18
My list gets 2-3 tasks entered for every one completed

I've got the screens replaced, and am ready to install the screen door I bought from Bill. I even got that wooden block to push the awning up so the
screen doesn't get hit.

These directions, I don't even understand #2 (not a good sign, I know). And #4 is completely confusing even though there's a drawing.
http://bdub.net/manuals/Birch_Screen_Door_Installation_Instructions.pdf

What is the pull strap end, what is the door check strap? I don't have new door pins or new door trim- do I need these?
I don't have a rivet gun, is this required? ("bend hinge to fit before drilling for rivets")
#13 Why would I attach a cable from the vacuum component door, it is on the opposite side of the hinges and won't I hit my head on it?
Page 3, what?
I feel like a moron trying to follow this.

I believe my coach had a screen door at one time, there's a little nubbin that would be used to grab a roller. Maybe some of these instructions
assume I have to do work that's already done? My screen door has hinges on it.
I can get photos later on. I figure I'll start this tomorrow after work when it's in the mid 90s.

And, what are the chances I'll be completely confused and can't do it and have the door off for an extended period of time- it's supposed to rain this
weekend?

Thanks for any/all help.
kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
 
The motorhome came with a strap attached to the door to keep it from
opening too far. There was another strap attached to the door beside the
latch to use to shut it.
Have a couple a these on hand:
https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-HELP-38400-Hinge-Bushing/dp/B0002JMRWI
Rivit gun is easy to come by if you need it. Ya probably won't need Page
3.

I'd probably have some way to block the weather JIC.

Good luck
bdub

> My list gets 2-3 tasks entered for every one completed
>
> I've got the screens replaced, and am ready to install the screen door I
> bought from Bill. I even got that wooden block to push the awning up so the
> screen doesn't get hit.
>
> These directions, I don't even understand #2 (not a good sign, I know).
> And #4 is completely confusing even though there's a drawing.
> http://bdub.net/manuals/Birch_Screen_Door_Installation_Instructions.pdf
>
> What is the pull strap end, what is the door check strap? I don't have
> new door pins or new door trim- do I need these?
> I don't have a rivet gun, is this required? ("bend hinge to fit before
> drilling for rivets")
> #13 Why would I attach a cable from the vacuum component door, it is on
> the opposite side of the hinges and won't I hit my head on it?
> Page 3, what?
> I feel like a moron trying to follow this.
>
> I believe my coach had a screen door at one time, there's a little nubbin
> that would be used to grab a roller. Maybe some of these instructions
> assume I have to do work that's already done? My screen door has hinges
> on it.
> I can get photos later on. I figure I'll start this tomorrow after work
> when it's in the mid 90s.
>
> And, what are the chances I'll be completely confused and can't do it and
> have the door off for an extended period of time- it's supposed to rain this
> weekend?
>
> Thanks for any/all help.
> kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Kelly,

I am no expert, my screen door is still sitting idle waiting for me to have time to install it. But i have been trying to study up as much as I can
for the project.

From what I understand, the original "NEW" screen door, came with the hinges not attached. and no holes in the door for the rivets. the process
was to install the hinges, then fit the door, and mark, drill and mount the hinges to the door. I am told that makes proper door fitting easier.

I am assuming you have a used door, and the hinges are either already mounted/pop riveted to the door, or they were drilled off(like mine), yet the
holes for the pop rivets are in the door. If that is the case, you should skip the "Pop rivet" step, and just hope it lines up. If it can't
be made to line up, taking the hinges off the door, then welding the existing pop rivet holes up, and re-drilling/riveting could be needed.

I also believe could possibly need new door pins. The door pins for the Birch door I believe are a little longer then stock door pins. But I have
seen a few different variety of door pins out there on coaches. I know mine needed to be longer and I bought two from Mr Burkitt. I also picked up
new copper bushings when I was visiting Jim Bounds for the door hinges as well since i will be pulling and replacing pins on the door.

I think Step #2 is shortening the door pull strap on the inside of the door. It is the strap that is used to pull the door closed from the inside.
I am guessing it needs to be shortened a little bit and that will make it sit tight against the door, as not to interfere with the screen door. You
may have a different finish on the inside of your door, and not have this strap. Maybe these pictures will help:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/entry-door-strap-fittings-restoration/p9499.html

as for step #4. This one makes me nervous. If yours had a screen door, it may have already been done, but that step is cutting the aluminum behind
the door striker post. from what i can tell the door needs a flush path outside to inside, and that aluminum to the inside of where the door catch
is, blocks the screen door and needs to be cut 3/4" to allow for the door to close fully. It makes me nervous because I do not like cutting
things.... very permanent. Again, if you coach did have a screen door, that would already be cut. I think the term "pin shield" is a part that
comes with the door.

I will try to see if I can get some pictures posted. I have been taking photos of the birch door installs I have run across.

take pictures as you do it, so it can help me out. I have been procrastinating on the job, and been busy.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
I sold the Ragusa screen door which came on the new used coach. Useless article when one has large dogs.

--johnny
--
'76 23' transmode Norris upfit, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.

"Sometimes I wonder what tomorrow's gonna bring when I think about my dirty life and times" --Warren Zevon
 
Thanks all!

Bill, those hinge pins are on order- thank you

What you all say makes sense, there are a bunch of steps I won't need to do.
I will document my trials and tribulations to help and amuse the rest of you.

And duly noted on taking care for weather... I have an awning that should help

kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
 
this was what I thought they meant too.

I think Step #2 is shortening the door pull strap on the inside of the door. It is the strap that is used to pull the door closed from the inside.
I am guessing it needs to be shortened a little bit and that will make it sit tight against the door, as not to interfere with the screen door. You
may have a different finish on the inside of your door, and not have this strap. Maybe these pictures will help:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/entry-door-strap-fittings-restoration/p9499.html

--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
 
Kelly,

Instruction #2 refers to the horizontal pull strap (adapted from a Buick)
that lays horizontally on the door. It sticks out far enough to
interfere with the screen door. Shortening one end pulls it closer to the
door, eliminating the interference.
The other fabric strap to keep the door from swinging around and hitting the
body is located farther down. It has to be removed for
the screen door. You may find some of the holes where it was mounted.
Instruction #4 refers to the rubber covered metal shield on the door opening
frame that protects your body or clothing from catching
on the protruding door latch pin. The middle of the screen goes past it, so
it must be reworked.
On a new installation the hinges are not attached, as the coaches were not
all EXACTLY alike. A real pain sometimes to align.
The plastic trim around the door opening is a sorta' h shaped extrusion to
allow the door to seal to the opening. I had to put some
plastic cord I had behind (inside?) the trim to get it to line up right.
The trim is available new from Bob Burkitt, who has some other
small parts for the door.
It's been 32 years since I installed a door, so my memory is not real clear,
but this crowd will help you reach your goal.

Gary Kosier
77PB w/500Cad
Newark, Ohio

--------------------------------------------------
From: "kelly stockwell"
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2016 7:37 AM
To:
Subject: [GMCnet] screen door installation

> My list gets 2-3 tasks entered for every one completed
>
> I've got the screens replaced, and am ready to install the screen door I
> bought from Bill. I even got that wooden block to push the awning up so
> the
> screen doesn't get hit.
>
> These directions, I don't even understand #2 (not a good sign, I know).
> And #4 is completely confusing even though there's a drawing.
> http://bdub.net/manuals/Birch_Screen_Door_Installation_Instructions.pdf
>
> What is the pull strap end, what is the door check strap? I don't have
> new door pins or new door trim- do I need these?
> I don't have a rivet gun, is this required? ("bend hinge to fit before
> drilling for rivets")
> #13 Why would I attach a cable from the vacuum component door, it is on
> the opposite side of the hinges and won't I hit my head on it?
> Page 3, what?
> I feel like a moron trying to follow this.
>
> I believe my coach had a screen door at one time, there's a little nubbin
> that would be used to grab a roller. Maybe some of these instructions
> assume I have to do work that's already done? My screen door has hinges
> on it.
> I can get photos later on. I figure I'll start this tomorrow after work
> when it's in the mid 90s.
>
> And, what are the chances I'll be completely confused and can't do it and
> have the door off for an extended period of time- it's supposed to rain
> this
> weekend?
>
> Thanks for any/all help.
> kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I couldn't get to the moon but once you got there I could help with you space suit and life support system! :-)

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of kelly stockwell
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2016 2:04 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] screen door installation

this crowd could get me to the moon if I wanted to

thank you
kelly
 
The gentleman we bought our coach from was a retired machinist that tells of parts on the Lunar rover he machined of aluminum. He says it gives him
great satisfaction to look at the moon and realize there are parts he built still there-imagine the feeling!!! (just a little off topic)
Hal
--
1977 Royale 101348,

1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,

1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
 
Yes! There has been a screen door mounted there in the past. That's a
good start!

> Here's my existing hardware
>
> strike plate
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/screen-door/p61095-img-9578.html
>
> hinge (local auto parts store had more hinges)
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/screen-door/p61094-img-9577.html
>
> no door strap
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/screen-door/p61096-img-9579.html
>
> screen door with cutout (let's hope it lines up)
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/screen-door/p61097-img-9583.html
>
>
 
OK, that literally took 15 minutes
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6961-screen-door.html

I know lots of coaches have the same color scheme but could this be the screen door my coach had long ago? Although I don't see any grab for the
double roller on the door handle.
I had to unscrew the catch because it was jammed in tight after inserting the new pins in the hinges (I shifted the roller out).
After bending/manipulating I moved the roller back to the position it was in.

It took me 6x longer to put the new aluminum screen in. I think they gave me spline that's too big, I actually ripped the screen a few times (you can
see that in some pictures)

kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT