Converting a tilt door to roll-up

[cdottrot]

Hey guys,

I've managed to finally find a roll-up (wood panels, not the metal kind) 9x7 door on Craigslist. It's actually three doors, but I'll be picking and choosing the best parts then refinishing them. The rest will go back on Craigslist for free. They came with random hardware, should be enough for one door at least.

I've searched here and google, but there doesn't seem to be much out there on this (or my search terms are wrong).

I'm sure I need to replace the rails/tracks and springs. I saw the tracks online for about $80. I suppose I could always just completely dismantle the old door & tracks, then proceed as if I was installing the panel-style door as new. Hm.

Any input on this? Thanks!

 

[rburke65]

Unless the track is bent or ? it should be OK. The new springs might be a good idea...or new rollers if the others are worn or bad bearing....if there are bearings. Hopefully I am understanding what it is you are trying to do.

 

[cdottrot]

Sorry, I wasn't clear.

I have no track, random hardware, and for sure no bar that holds the springs. I have three old torsion springs (pretty sure they are torsion), and a bucket of hardware from the guy.

I think what I need is a hardware kit...just need to find some Canadian distributors. I may end up calling a local professional to install the door/tracks once I finish the panels, see whether that will cost more than sourcing the hardware individually.

I had thought of leaving the springs out, but I guess they are what allows the garage door not to slam down, eh?

 

[Zeke]

Right, it will be too heavy to lift w/o springs and won't stay up on its own.
Get some pics of overhead doors off the Net and compare to what hdwe you have.

 

[rburke65]

That would be the torsion bar. And those are called "torsion" springs, and those run parallel with the width of the door opening. If you had the others, those are "extension springs", and those run parallel with the upper horizontial door track.

 

[cdottrot]

I've been looking around, here's what I think I need:

- Tracks (horizontal & vertical)
- Rollers (there may be some in the box, but I'll probably want to get new ones)
- Torsion spring (s?)
- Cable assembly for both sides
- Assorted mounting brackets
- Weather stripping

So pretty much everything you'd get when you buy a new garage door...without the garage door part. The Depot might have something available, I'll give them a call.

 

[rburke65]

I'm thing by the time you buy all that, it would be less expense to just buy a new door. Hell, buy a new door package and keep the parts you need and sell the door panels!

 

[cdottrot]

Haha, yeah, I was considering that.

The panels I have are wood, and I'm thinking they might be cedar, so it's worth it to refinish them.

I would think that of the $400 it costs for a door, the hardware must only be $100 or so of the cost.

 

[cdottrot]

This is a pretty good overview of a 'from scratch' installation.

Part 1

Part 2

Gives a good feel for all the different parts anyways.

Edit: Just called Home Depot. They can only source Clopay door hardware, and everything is sold separately. The tracks alone are $175!! The guy was very helpful, suggested I contact a local professional about this, and said he couldn't guarantee Clopay parts would fit the door we have.

Jeepers. Guess I should have done more research prior.

Amusingly, he has a 9x7 insulated roll-up door on sale for $329, comes with all hardware. Tempting, but way more than I'd wanted to spend on this.

Edit #2: Called 4-5 places, nobody sells parts. Finally found a place that sources parts, and the guy actually seemed willing to help, so he's putting together a quote for what I need.

Rails, spring assembly, and new nylon rollers. He suggested I try and keep the original hinges and whatnot. It's a little bit of a drive (1.5 hours), but worth it if the price is right.

 

[cdottrot]

Update, here's the quote for what I need:

(2) vertcial track
(2) horizontal tracks
(1) set rollers
(1) torsion spring assembly c/w bearing brkts, bearings, spring shaft and spring
(1) set cables
(1) length track hanger

$250

Hm. Well, cheaper than $329. I'll have to verify 100% that these doors are worth it, then make a decision.

Hope this research helps someone else. I'll post up more when I make the call. Thanks for the input!!

 

[justanengineer]

$250 for just hardware?

Every door on both my brother's farm and my parents property was bought as a closeout at Lowe's? or Home Depot? Sorry I cant remember which, but that is about 15 rollup doors, all Wayne Dalton (best there is IMHO) all sectionals and insulated. Each one of them for the total kit was <$100. Several of the kits had been opened and were missing hardware, but luckily Wayne Dalton loves their customers and sent every last missing piece free of charge including shipping. If you can afford to wait a month or two until a closeout occurs, do it.

 

[cdottrot]

Good to know, thanks. I don't think Wayne Dalton doors are available around here, though.

I've found someone on Craigslist who has the hardware I need, so Lord willing it'll still be available. $60 - much better price.