| Author |
Message |
ktrout01
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 5:27 pm: | |
I know it's been done and I know it requires structural mods to make it safe. I plan on adding David Galey's book on slide outs to my library as well. All that being said...Has anyone done a middle/rear door in a GMC 4905 or similar coach ? I'd like to close up the front door and install a co-pilot/navigation station to the front and not have to make it movable so as to open the door. I'm planning a side aisle and think that a midship's door would be a good solution to accessing both the front and rear of the coach without having to walk front to back all the time. The door would open into a landing area in the kitchen and allow for easier loading/unloading of the pantry and luggage to the bedroom. Ideally the door would be fabricated to resemble the standard siding appearance and would incorparate a standard RV frame with built in screen door to keep them critters out. |
Marc Bourget
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 11:26 pm: | |
The difficulty here will be devising a way to pass thru the loads of the weakness caused by the door opening. I think if you read Dave Galey's slideout book for knowledge rather than a building guide, it would get you to the point where you could ask intelligent questions.
You'll have to be careful because of the Semi-monocoque style of construction. I'm guessing a skin doubler "ring" about 8" greater than the door opening and paying attention to the attachment of a perimeter frame to transfer the loads will be sufficient. But figures from someone like Dave Galey, Bob Sheaves or Bob Belter will be necessary confirmation. The interesting point is that rivet spacing is often the most significant factor in determining whether the modification is structurally adequate.
Please don't use my "opinion" as a buiding guide. The real answer might be considerably different - but close expense-wise. I mentioned the approach so you could get a "degree of difficulty" guide, not a definitive guide to build.
Onward and Upward
Marc Bourget |
RJ Long (Rjlong)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 12:21 am: | |
On the 4905 and other GMC coaches, the exterior skin IS the frame of the coach, along with the floor and bulkheads. Cutting a hole in the side of one is like cutting a hole in the side of a soda or beer can - it affects the structural integrity.
This isn't as much of a problem on an Eagle coach (which is what Dave Galey's most familar with, btw), as they have a "birdcage" frame and the exterior skin is just decoration.
Also, be aware that the coach will actually "flex" as you travel down the highway. Go for a ride on a bumpy road, and, if possible, have someone else drive while you sit in the very back and watch what happens. You'll be amazed at how much actual flex there is. Obviously, this, too, has to be taken into consideration as you think thru this project.
This isn't to say that it cannot be done, far from that. Just some comments to add to the thought process.
I do like your idea, tho. And others have done it, primarily with transit conversions, as you already have the rear door. . .
HTH,
RJ
PD4106-2784
Fresno CA |
TWO DOGS
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 6:56 am: | |
once it bends in the moddle...that's about the end of your fun times... |
Seaton
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 10:33 am: | |
One of the important things to remember here is that GM New Looks and 4905s are constructed in a simiar fashion and aside from the windshield opening the weakest part of a transit fishbowl is the area around the center exit door |
FAST FRED
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 11:13 am: | |
Perhaps you could get the big parts book for a New Look , and figure out how GM engineered the door hole.
FAST FRED |
Bill Gerrie
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 11:14 am: | |
I have a gmc transit that has the centre door and I have looked at the reiforceing that is in the walls when we did the converting 20 years ago. There is a lot of extra steel in there but another thing you have that is different is the fact that you have the bays below the floor level which I do not have. It would be difficult to do but I am sure someone has done it. I saw a fellow busnut that raised the roof on a GM transit when everyone told him he couldn't do it. It worked out fine and trouble free. You have to make up your own mind as to your capabilities and as the above posts indicate there is a lot of flexing that has to be there as if it is too ridgid it will break in time. When you put in a frame to open the side you transfer the load to a different point and that point has to be able to take it. You might want to see how a company would install a wheel chair access and take it from there if you still want a centre door. Bill |
TWO DOGS
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 11:52 am: | |
DON'T DO IT....! ! ! ! |
BrianMCI
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 12:00 am: | |
The only rear door I've seen that impressed me was one that had the door opening at floor level.
The door hinged at the bottom and flipped downwards with stairs built into the back side of the door like and old DC-3
I believe the door was raised & lowered via cables attatched to the top of the door with a winch system...
Brian |
Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 5:55 am: | |
That would be Bernie & Pat Ethier's Prevost. He also has a sliding door built into the wall, so that the "airplane" door can be left in the down position. For a second access, he has a small door next the the drivers seat. Hope this helps, Jack |
jay
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 6:08 pm: | |
Fwiw, below is a link to a listing of a 4905 with quite a few mods done to it. Center door, raised roof and level floor. Think it's been listed for a year or more. Just something to look at.
http://greatvehicles.chooseyouritem.com/rvs/files/24000/24245.html |