High lift conversion questions

[general ike]

Hey all I am new here so be kind!!! I am raising my Clopay Design 13 9X8 with double standard torsion springs, door to a high lift for a car lift clearance. Sadly there is only 27 in from the top of the door to the 123 in ceiling height. The tracks are currently 18.5 inches from the ceiling.

I have been told that the closest I can get is about 8 inches of the ceiling. TRUE? Can I get closer. I checked and my door moves about 4. 5 inches above the track. I have been told that the torsion bar setup needs the space and is the limiting factor.

Next since I am might be only raising the torsion bar by 11 inches do I need to replace the relatively new existing torsion springs. I beleive the door weighs 189 lbs and the springs are numbered 7000154.

Thoughts? If I can save them I would love to.

Who is the least expensive to order parts from?

Thanks, greatly appreciated!!! Ike

 

[matt_i]

If you are raising the torsion bar the cables have to be replaced with longer ones.

If you raise the lower edge of the door the cable sheaves/drums will likely need to be replaced.

I raised the header in a garage door by 12" with a removable "chunk" and did not change the single spring...noninsulated door now in the middle of the shop. That said I don't push it all the way up on every cycle. Just now and then when I have a large machine that has to move thru and I need the clearance for forklifts.

In your case you just need to counterbalance a little more of the lower panel in the door that's now going to stay vertical at full raise where before it would have been previously horizontal. For a 9x8 door I think I'd try winding the same springs tighter, even 1 more turn makes a big difference. Count the turns now as you unwind and write that above the door in pencil for reference.

 

[general ike]

Thank you Matt, greatly appreciate a response. I assumed that the drums ( no room for any extra cable), the cable and a track section will definitely be needed. The springs I questioned due to the small amount of height I would be raising the door by. I do understand that I have added some weight due to the more vertical section of the door but the springs are relatively new and I would hate to waste them.

What is the minimum space the torsion spring set up need from the ceiling?

Thanks again Ike

 

[pattenp]

If it wasn't for having to clear light fixtures I could get the top of the track to 6.5 inches from the ceiling. That's pushing the top of Jackshaft opener to 1/2" from the ceiling.

 

[rnixon]

I mounted the torsion bar and drums below the track, rather than above, which is standard.
Allowed me to get the track closer to the ceiling , with more clearance for a jackshaft opener

 

[general ike]

Rnixon, I assume that limits the height the door can open along the track? My geometry is old but I figure you can not get the door edge above the drum height?

Pattenp I saw a video of someone recycling a classic rear chain drive motor mounting it vertically and install a sprocket and chain to open and close the door. That required no additional clearance for a jack shaft opener. I need every inch I can get!!!

Does anyone have an other opinion as to recycling the original torsion springs?

Thanks Ike

 

[MrSurly]

I'm confused by rnixon's pic. Depending on how high horizontal track will be above the door opening, there can easily be plenty of vertical room for the undermount, I get that. What I don't get is what appears to be a very odd placement of the vertical track in the picture. Is the vertical track NOT attached to the same vertical plane as the front end of the horizontal? Explain?

 

[ODIS]

To solve a needed height requirement, remotely located the torque tube/springs to a location other than directly above the door. Modified the rails a bit where they attach to the door header and raised the entire frame to where the pulleys above the door just cleared the ceiling and still allow for the door to clear the ceiling. This worked for many years with no issues.

 

[rnixon]

Here's a few more pictures, to either add to,or alleviate some confusion

 

[general ike]

Odis carpeting in the garage!! very classy!!! Interesting concept but for me I have no other location to place them higher. IKe

 

[HotrodHR]

I suggest you visit DDM Garage Doors at https://ddmgaragedoors.com and spend some time looking at their DIY videos. This will save you a lot of headaches in planing and doing this. I raised my shop door and it just clears 4" thick tube lights.

 

[nadogail]

I guess you will have to consult a Garage Door Professional who is not also a commissioned salesman.

 

[general ike]

HotrodHR I have looked through their videos and emailed them. They advise me that the closest I should get is 8.25 inches to the ceiling. I am not sure if I can or should get any closer.

Nadogail, That is my concern as well. Obviously garage parts manufacturer's want to sell parts, springs. My concern is do I need to change them out? I am not sure how to find a noncommisioned salesman. I would assume that hey all would have some kind of insensitive to sell replacement springs.

Thats why I posted here. I have read through alot of posts with people doing the same thing as I a trying to accomplish. I was hoping to get some clarification before I started ordering parts from the forum members who know alot more than me!!!

So for those members who have done something similar, did you need to upgrade the springs? Thanks Ike