GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Screen Door
Screen Door [message #151848] Mon, 05 December 2011 22:59 Go to next message
RadioActiveGMC is currently offline  RadioActiveGMC   United States
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I REALLY need a screen door for the GMC. Don't want to go with a "phantom" type door, just the type that is more like a conventional screen door. Like the one Jim K sells, or a Birch. I've sent a few PMs to a vendor but they never answered. Does anyone know how to get the correct fitting screen door, for perhaps less then the current $400+ rate?? I really need one, even used. Not needing a dirt cheap one, but a savings is a savings. We camp often where there is a ton of bees and a screen door would be terrific, but $400 for one is tough to cough up. If its the only way, then its the only way, but I figured I'd ask.

***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia- Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
Re: Screen Door [message #151873 is a reply to message #151848] Tue, 06 December 2011 08:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jknezek is currently offline  jknezek   United States
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
Senior Member
Even if you got a used Birch door for a hundred dollars by the time it is shipped to you, you get the trim, make it look nice, buy the pins, rescreen it, get new hinges as the old ones are probably going to be hard to fit to your coach, etc., you'll be in it about the same as ordering a new ragusa.

I bought a used door off someone and sent it off to Bob B. to have it reformed on the original jigs. He did a ton of work to it, brought it back to me at Bean Station. We spent two days at Bean Station fitting it and I still did a ton more work to it after we got home.

Buying the used one cost me as much, if not more, than buying a new ragusa door. I will say I like the Birch a little better, and I did use more expensive molding and the pass through center screens, so it become more expensive than it needed to be, but there just isn't a cheap way to get it done using a birch or ragusa door.


Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
Re: Screen Door [message #151880 is a reply to message #151848] Tue, 06 December 2011 09:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RadioActiveGMC is currently offline  RadioActiveGMC   United States
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Is the Ragusa a simple install?

***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia- Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
Re: Screen Door [message #151883 is a reply to message #151880] Tue, 06 December 2011 09:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jknezek is currently offline  jknezek   United States
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
Senior Member
I haven't installed one but I heard it wasn't exactly simple. I've also heard that they made some improvements over the original ragusa product that made it easier. With the way our 35 year old coaches have sagged and shifted over the years, I doubt it would be simple by my terms, but your idea of simple may not match mine.

Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
Re: Screen Door [message #151887 is a reply to message #151880] Tue, 06 December 2011 09:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
Senior Member

Mr.RadioActive wrote on Tue, 06 December 2011 08:18

Is the Ragusa a simple install?


I put a Ragusa screen door on our coach for Kathy's birthday, a couple of years ago. The installation is fairly simple, but it ends there. There is a lot of adjustment required to make it fit properly and you will need to trim the weatherstripping. It is a nice door and works well once you get it installed and adjusted right.


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: Screen Door [message #151895 is a reply to message #151880] Tue, 06 December 2011 10:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry is currently offline  Larry   United States
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
Senior Member
Mr.RadioActive wrote on Tue, 06 December 2011 09:18

Is the Ragusa a simple install?

It is the ONE thing my wife really wanted for our coach. Unable to find a Birch, I bought the Ragusa. It took me 45 minutes to install and 2 days to adjust. In the process, I had the door off and on so many times that the chincy sheet metal screws holding the hinge to the door stripped out. I ended up with 1/8" aluminum bar stock pieces both inside and outside to reinforce it well enough to hold up to ordinary use. Once beefed up and installed, the Ragusa door is a nice piece. We like it. I made one boo--boo when cutting the trim pieces, and had to call Ragusa for replacement. Even though I freely admitted that I made the mistake, they sent me new trim for free. Nice people to deal with. I told the person at Ragusa about my troubles adjusting the door. He said "Yup, some install in 45 minutes and are a perfect fit right up front. But because these are 30+ yr old units, each has sagged differently, so each becomes a hand fit" JWID


Larry Smile
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
Re: Screen Door [message #151905 is a reply to message #151848] Tue, 06 December 2011 11:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tillie1001 is currently offline  tillie1001   United States
Messages: 33
Registered: October 2011
Location: Michigan
Karma: 0
Member

Wondering if anyone out there has tried to manipulate and "magic mesh" hands free screen door to fit their coach?

Its an "as seen on Tv" magnetic screen with good reviews

https://www.buymagicmesh.com/?tag=im|sm|go|tm&a_aid=011&a_bid=d330313e


Mandie Raymond Clarkston, MI 1978 GMC Royale with rear bath
Re: Screen Door [message #151914 is a reply to message #151848] Tue, 06 December 2011 13:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RadioActiveGMC is currently offline  RadioActiveGMC   United States
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
Senior Member
My Mother In Law told me about this product today. Looks simple enough to make myself. But for $20 maybe worth a try until I can get a door. She said they worked really well, I just want to keep the bees out of the coach.

***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia- Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
Re: [GMCnet] Screen Door [message #151917 is a reply to message #151914] Tue, 06 December 2011 14:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
emerystora is currently offline  emerystora   United States
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
Senior Member
We cannot what the product is. You cannot post pictures to the GMCnet. You could put a picture on gmcmhphotos.com.

A suggestion for a workable screen that doesn't cost much.
Get a piece of fiberglas screening wider than your doorway (perhaps 3" on each side) and long enough to hang above the inside and which will reach below the door opening. Get it long enough to sew in a pocket at the top and at the bottom. The top pocket will go over a cafe curtain rod mounted above the inside of the door. In the bottom pocket put a length of chain heavy enough to hold the screen down. When you want the screen just drop the bottom with the chain outside. It will pull the sides of the screening against the outside of the curved wall of the motorhome and seal out bugs.

When you enter the motorhome just pull the screen to one side and step in or out. For storage just slide the screen to one side on the door on the rod and let the chain hold it in place on the floor.

I used one like this for a few years on my Dodge Travco motorhome and it has much the same outside shape as the GMC.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM

On Dec 6, 2011, at 12:51 PM, Michael wrote:

>
>
> My Mother In Law told me about this product today. Looks simple enough to make myself. But for $20 maybe worth a try until I can get a door. She said they worked really well, I just want to keep the bees out of the coach.
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: [GMCnet] Screen Door [message #151929 is a reply to message #151914] Tue, 06 December 2011 16:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Beach Coach is currently offline  Beach Coach   United States
Messages: 50
Registered: December 2011
Karma: 1
Member
Hi, just thought I'd drop in on this one.

We installed the magic mesh on our Palm Beach this summer. First you have
to size it to fit the door. Leave enough length to fasten the top to the
plastic plate between the door and ceiling and let the bottom just drag on
the floor. Then put a velcro strip from top to bottom on each side. The two
problem areas are the door strap on the hinge side of the door and
maintaining adhesion to the top plate. We plan to solve these problems this
winter!
Hugh in Nova Scotia
As the crow flies - nine miles from Mike
On Tue, Dec 6, 2011 at 3:51 PM, Michael <radioactive626@msn.com> wrote:

>
>
> My Mother In Law told me about this product today. Looks simple enough to
> make myself. But for $20 maybe worth a try until I can get a door. She said
> they worked really well, I just want to keep the bees out of the coach.
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



hugh MacDougall Antigonish, Nova Scotia 1975 Eleganza II
Re: Screen Door [message #151932 is a reply to message #151848] Tue, 06 December 2011 17:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RF_Burns is currently offline  RF_Burns   Canada
Messages: 2277
Registered: June 2008
Location: S. Ontario, Canada
Karma: 3
Senior Member
We installed a Magic Mesh last fall, but didn't really use it, the bugs were gone!

I would change how I did it.
-First it is about 8" too long. I put a curtain rod through the seam at the top which left the excess at the bottom. It would be better to make a new more open seam at the top to take up the excess.
-The Velcro for the sides are peel'n stick. It didn't take too long for them to un-stick from the mesh. I'd sew them in place first. I put the Velcro along the door jamb. Remember to clean the trim with alcohol to remove all dirt and oils to get the Velcro to stick.

Operation:
Well my experience is they don't open as nicely as shown on the video. The magnetic keepers are pretty strong, however they do snap back together nicely.
You would want to keep the bottom just off the floor else they will get caught under your feet.. and guess what happens!

We bought two of them so I can experiment with one and then make the final revision with the other.


Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
Re: Screen Door [message #151937 is a reply to message #151848] Tue, 06 December 2011 18:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
1275gtsport is currently offline  1275gtsport   Canada
Messages: 272
Registered: September 2009
Location: Rothesay NB
Karma: 0
Senior Member
we bought a version of the magic mesh from regal gifts this summer. have not installed it. it is one piece and has a sand bag on the bottom. no magnets just the velcro. my guess is it will sort of work like a shower curtain. haven't really looked at how to hang it yet.

and welcome aboard Hugh! we loved the green plaid so much after looking at yours we had to go get one almost like it. Smile
You New Brunswick neighbour Smile


Adam Raeburn
Rothesay, NB
1976 Austin Mini
1977 GMC Palm Beach
---------------------------------------------------
Once you replace everything that is attached to something else. It will all be fixed.
Re: Screen Door [message #151952 is a reply to message #151848] Tue, 06 December 2011 19:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MikeT   United States
Messages: 225
Registered: November 2009
Location: Marine City, Michigan
Karma: 0
Senior Member
This was on the GMC Swap last September.

Rick's Redneck Screendoors

http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=145036&rid=0&srch=magic+mesh#msg_145036


Mike Thomas Marine City, MI 77 ex Palm Beach
Re: Screen Door [message #151955 is a reply to message #151848] Tue, 06 December 2011 19:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RadioActiveGMC is currently offline  RadioActiveGMC   United States
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I'm wondering if I just bought screen from Lowes, and go to a craft store to buy a zipper long enough to go from top to bottom if that would work. Im sure I can find someone to cut it in 1/2 and sew in a long zipper.

***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia- Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
Re: [GMCnet] Screen Door [message #151956 is a reply to message #151937] Tue, 06 December 2011 19:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Beach Coach is currently offline  Beach Coach   United States
Messages: 50
Registered: December 2011
Karma: 1
Member
Thanks for the welcome and the compliment!

We have been lurking for over a year gathering advice for our GMC
projects. Needless to say, we are very impressed by the knowledge available
and the willingness to share this knowledge within the GMC community.

We were fortunate to be able to purchase a one owner 1978 Palm Beach that
did not require much work other than general maintenance. Ralph Luby's
biggest concern when selling his GMC was that it be used and not end up in
a salvage yard. His advice to us was " Get to know your GMC before you make
any changes." We were also fortunate to "inherit" Ralph's collection of
spare parts, GMCI newsletters, parts book, operating manuals and
various memorabilia.
We are quite comfortable with our GMC knowing that if a problem arises we
can rely on Ralph's historical data, the GMC community and of course our
local GURU( Mike)!

Hugh in Nova Scotia
1978 Palm Beach
1977 Transmode
On Tue, Dec 6, 2011 at 8:03 PM, 1275gtsport@gmail.com <1275gtsport@gmail.com
> wrote:

>
>
> we bought a version of the magic mesh from regal gifts this summer. have
> not installed it. it is one piece and has a sand bag on the bottom. no
> magnets just the velcro. my guess is it will sort of work like a shower
> curtain. haven't really looked at how to hang it yet.
>
> and welcome aboard Hugh! we loved the green plaid so much after looking at
> yours we had to go get one almost like it. :)
> You New Brunswick neighbour :)
> --
> Adam Raeburn
> Rothesay, NB
> 1976 Austin Mini
> 1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



hugh MacDougall Antigonish, Nova Scotia 1975 Eleganza II
Re: [GMCnet] Screen Door [message #151957 is a reply to message #151955] Tue, 06 December 2011 19:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
k2gkk is currently offline  k2gkk   United States
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
Senior Member

You do NOT want to use a zipper!

How could you get out quickly in emergency?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: radioactive626@msn.com
> Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 19:34:11 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Screen Door
>
> I'm wondering if I just bought screen from Lowes, and go to a craft store to buy a zipper long enough to go from top to bottom if that would work. Im sure I can find someone to cut it in 1/2 and sew in a long zipper.
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: [GMCnet] Screen Door [message #151964 is a reply to message #151957] Tue, 06 December 2011 20:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
SergeL is currently offline  SergeL   United States
Messages: 169
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Gee I don't know DC *Mac* the last time I went through my home screen door
it only took me a split second : ) of course the embarrassment and the
cost of replacing it was something as a negative bonus.




Serge
1973 GMC
Deming, NM


He who expects no gratitude shall never be disapointed
-------Original Message-------

From: D C *Mac* Macdonald
Date: 12/6/2011 6:37:46 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Screen Door

You do NOT want to use a zipper!

How could you get out quickly in emergency?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: radioactive626@msn.com
> Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 19:34:11 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Screen Door
>
> I'm wondering if I just bought screen from Lowes, and go to a craft store
to buy a zipper long enough to go from top to bottom if that would work. Im
sure I can find someone to cut it in 1/2 and sew in a long zipper.
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: Screen Door [message #151980 is a reply to message #151848] Tue, 06 December 2011 21:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RadioActiveGMC is currently offline  RadioActiveGMC   United States
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Im guessing I can get thru a homemade screen door faster then the GMC original door when its closed! Its pretty tough to open at times! lol

***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia- Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
Re: [GMCnet] Screen Door [message #151988 is a reply to message #151980] Tue, 06 December 2011 21:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Michael,
You have tried to contact me on the bird feeder.
I do not know how to cut through that route.
Best to contact me at jimk@appliedairfilters.com
I answer all on there. The others I cannot get in at all .









On Tue, Dec 6, 2011 at 7:26 PM, Michael <radioactive626@msn.com> wrote:
>
>
> Im guessing I can get thru a homemade screen door faster then the GMC original door when its closed! Its pretty tough to open at times! lol
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: Screen Door [message #152002 is a reply to message #151980] Tue, 06 December 2011 23:14 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
tillie1001 is currently offline  tillie1001   United States
Messages: 33
Registered: October 2011
Location: Michigan
Karma: 0
Member

Funny, I told my friend about the Magic Mesh a few days ago, and she stopped by with one tonight, she saw it at the "as seen on tv store" in a local mall....and picked it up for me. $19.99 +tax

I pulled it out of the box, and I think it could work well with a little modifying. The screen material is soft, not rough like a traditional window screen, and the magnents are strong but not too strong.

I am thinking if I make a pattern for my door including the additional inches for attachment area, Then cut the screen to fit, length and width, centered on the screen, so magenets are in the middle, then purchase approx 4 yards of rug edging or a heavy duty bias binding (they sell it at fabric stores)and machine sew it to the edges of the screen, and attach it with 3M Velcro or better (not the velcro that came with it, that velcro is not good quality).I might even make tie backs for it when not in use.

Pro's: the screen material is nice, wont rip off your skin like alot of other screen materials on the market, and with the initial $20 for screen, and additional edging and velcro all the supplies it should cost total under $40,

Con's: if you travel with a dog, they will be able to leave as they wish.




Mandie Raymond Clarkston, MI 1978 GMC Royale with rear bath
Previous Topic: [Gmcnet] Bogie greasers
Next Topic: Free Tools
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Fri Sep 20 13:41:00 CDT 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.02459 seconds