Vertical lift mod - need different hinges

[DanMeeks]

I am converting a single garage door to vertical lift. The way I have donne it is to cut the 90° arc tracks in the center, then re-mount them so that the tracks each make a 45° arc before continuing vertically.
This worked beautifully as I didn't need to purchase any new track or metal supports.
I left the cable rollers exactly where they were. Since the track moves back from the front wall, it clears the rollers. The tracks are installed and stabilized, looks perfect. So far so good.
What I found however is that as the door goes up, the panels first bend backwards as normal, but as they follow the track and make the second turn to go vertical, they need to bend in the opposite direction. This is where I am in need of advice.
The hinges on the door have their pivot point a couple of inches behind the actual door panels. So that means, if the panels need to pivot the other direction, they pinch together - and won't pivot.
I've attached a simple drawing.
I am looking for ideas. Right now my only solution is to put a lot of space between the panels to allow for the reverse-bend. Or to loosen the hinges, so they can slip as the panels interfere. The hings have slots for the attachment bolts so there is just enough room for the hinge to slip along that slot. If I keep this solution I will put some sort of plastic strip between the panels to keep them from rubbing metal-to-metal.
If anyone has another idea please let me know.
Do they make panels that are designed to hinge in both directions?
Is there another type of hinge I can use that puts the pivot point more near the center of the panel?
Thanks in advance -
Dan

 

[manwithtools]

Sorry to tell you, sectional garage doors are not made to bend in the reverse direction, the shiplap edge design is what seals them and gives strength to them when closed.

You need proper vertical lift tracks and the cable drum and spring(s) need to be relocated to the correct location. What you are attempting will not work in my opinion.

Let's hear from some of the garage door experts that will chime in I'm sure.

 

[dfiler2]

The only way to get those panels to hinge backwards would be to leave a gap. You may want to consider continuing that 45 angle.

 

[Awag]

I think you need to take the angle out altogether. The straight part of the track goes up at a slight angle. Just continue it going straight up at the same angle. Raise your springs up high enough that the door will clear them. Then buy longer cables. You are also probably going to need different drums and springs since they have to hold the full weight of the door in the up position. As the spring unwinds as you raise the door the spring looses tension. This is why you need a drum made to counter that. I think the easiest diy solution is to use a pulley at the top with a counter balance weight half the weight of the door on each side.

 

[DanMeeks]

Awag - thanks for the ideas. I like the idea of continuing up at an angle and relocating the springs / pulleys.
I did put another spring on there. How many turns can I put on one spring? It takes about 7.5 turns to be fully relaxed when the door is up.
And unless I put more turns on it, there will always be zero tension when the door is up.
Is the counterweight the right way to do this then? That does not seem practical?
Seems like the best solution is a spring(s) that can be wound to maybe 15 turns, so that it has tension all the way up. Comments?
I have it running now - with some space between the panels and the slipping hinges.
I might leave it like this and think about dealing with the gaps.

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

As was already stated, you need different drums and springs. Vertical lift drums will have a full conical shape. The leverage decreases as the door goes up, but you need the correct springs as well. You should also have spring bumpers at the top of the track so when the door goes up it has a soft stop. By design, the springs must keep the door in the open position so the tension will push (gently) the door into the springs. There are places online that can help you with your calculations, but you will need the weight as well as the other dimensions.