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Post by smyrnaguy on Feb 1, 2011 11:57:07 GMT -5
For some time I've had this idea to create perimeter door frames. I want a cleaner, more secure look with no external handles or hinges and using a frame to reinforce the "windoor" (window + door = windoor) would decrease twisting problems in the wind when open. The weather was warm this weekend so I set to work first making the frames then the mounting plate and latches and finally the hinges. A few tweaks to the frames and voila!   The frames are 1/2" EMT, the hinges are 2" exhaust tubing. Each frame weighs about 4 lbs. I'll glue the plexiglass to the painted frames so no holes will be drilled. I'm using electric bear claw latches to hold the doors closed and rams will attach to the frames to open the doors. I know I'll have to pad the hinges but that shouldn't be a problem. |
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Post by jspbtown on Feb 1, 2011 12:43:45 GMT -5
Looks interesting. Any more pics of the hinge set up? Does the tube make the door sit proud of the body?
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Post by mrbigh on Feb 1, 2011 13:13:24 GMT -5
looks nice and defiant, is the 1/2" EMT structure rigid enough?
I'm anxious to see the final project.
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Post by Dan MacMillan on Feb 1, 2011 13:28:05 GMT -5
Just a note about plexi. It produces gasses and usually will separate from adhesives when heated by the sun. I made plexi windows for my 74 Thing, same concept as your idea. my frames however are made of rectangular tubing giving me more surface area for bonding. I first used silicone. They lasted about a month before starting to release. Next I used windshield urethane, not much better. Eventually I ended up bolting them to the frames. This may not happen if your plexi is really old, however keep a close eye on it.
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Post by dawgdk on Feb 1, 2011 15:55:17 GMT -5
Remember, never bolt or screw anything directly to plexiglass. Doing so will create too much stress and therefore cause cracks.
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Post by smyrnaguy on Feb 1, 2011 17:15:58 GMT -5
A new day's observation has made me have to rethink the current hinge system. As currently constructed these hinges will only work with a soft window like a convertible. The top simply doesn't have enough clearance to allow entry when the glass is installed. So unless I suddenly get real limber its back to the drawing board. Now I'm thinking it has to be a 2 stage thing; kind of a lift and flip. Pneumatic maybe?
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Post by big bob on Feb 1, 2011 17:18:12 GMT -5
dude, that is awesome...
i'm wanting to do something like that as well. give us more....
big bob
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Post by mrbigh on Feb 2, 2011 1:53:37 GMT -5
............ So unless I suddenly get real limber its back to the drawing board. Now I'm thinking it has to be a 2 stage thing; kind of a lift and flip. Pneumatic maybe? Drawing board, Hummm; re-think on the square tubing build |
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