convert overhead door to swing out, using same door?

[TexasSixT2]

While I have browsed this forum for years off and on this is my first post here so thanks in advance for any suggestions

I am looking for suggestions on how to convert my existing overhead garage door to a swing out, but i need to use the current door, or at least maintain the basic look of the current door, so that it matches the other existing door. Here's the setup - I have a 3 car garage with one 2 car door (~16ft) and 1 single car door (~8ft). I have just purchased a 4 post lift that will sit in the single car bay. The ceiling height is low in general (but vaulted in the center), especially at door opening.

The single car door cannot continue to be overhead so my options are either:
A) put in a roll-up that would go directly above the header. This would work well but means I would have a commercial looking door and my HOA would not like that. I would also have to buy a second one for the two car section which I dont want to do for looks/cost reasons
OR
B) convert my overhead to a swing out. This is the leading option but I am looking for ideas on how to hinge on one side, support with roller wheel maybe, support/seal when closed, and cut down to size to start with. If I could get just the "skin" of the existing door it would be ideal.

If anybody has any ideas or has seen/done something similar I would love to hear about it.

Thanks,
TexasSixT2 (Todd)

 

[jstroede]

Why not just use roof pitch track and run the door up the ceiling?

The other option would be to convert your sectional door to a one piece type tilt up door. I wouldn't call that a diy project necessarily, but I know places that do it out in california wher old one piece wood doors are common.

John

 

[dr bob]

I've had the one-piece wood doors, and migrated from those quickly when the option was available. They still come inside the garage several feet when up, at about 6" below the top of the opening, so this isn't a solution for lift clearance.

In my current garage/workshop, ten years ago I installed the workbay door as jstroede recommends, with tracks that follow the pitched ceiling. The door rides a few inches below the ceiling, with enough room for the screw-drive opener to sit above it tight against the sloped ceiling.

The company that supplied the doors said it wouldn't work, and even came out to show me why after I had them installed and working fine. They left scratching their heads and muttering. Of course it's a common option these days. I'm building a new house and have ceiling tracks on both doors; I did add jackshaft operators in the new place too.