Screen door plexiglas panels

[carver 1]

I thought I would share my answer to running the AC with the screen door open to provide light and a feeling of openness. I purchased the plexiglass @ Lowes where they cut to size. The only thing i had to do was trim the arches for the upper panel. This was accomplished on my belt sander after I traced the arch with the panel in place. I placed 8 Rivnuts in each panel to support the plexiglass. Since the Lowe's plexiglass was rather thin (this provides the flexibility to bend to the curvature of the panels) I luted small half moon pieces of thicker plexiglass. This supply's thickness to eliminate the movement and rattling of the panels. I used panel clips in the rivnuts to secure the panels in place. This makes for an easy way to remove and install the panels. I've attached several pictures of the project. Total time, about 2 hours. Thanks go to fellow Airstreamer and friend Larry O for his help and ideas.

>>ron<<

[Kevin245]

Nice work! Looks great.

[AWCHIEF]

Brilliant project. Looks like it came from the factory that way.

[airdreamers]

Ron, it will work like a charm! I used ours today finishing up the curtains Janice made, also a beautiful job. She says next time we will spent the $2000+-, too much work, beautiful.

BTW, Nice job yourself!

[Al and Missy]

That is a great looking project. I think I'll have to do it. I had to google "luted" but now I know what that means, and I knew what Rivnuts were, but I'm used to them being pressed and expanded into Aluminum with a hydraulic press. Google is your friend, I found the Rivnuts and installation tool online.

What panel clips did you use? Zooming in on your picture they look like the clips that Lowes and HF sell to hold window screens into window frames.

Thanks,

Al

[SeeMore]

Hint, if you mount the screen clips tab side down (opposite instructions) there is no need to lute. You can also mount the plexi inside the screen so you easily remove the panels for those seasons when you want the fresh air. 1/8" plexi fits perfectly; project time = 1 hour.

[PaulnGina]

That project is a great idea. Thank you!!!

[jimfa440]

Yep, done it. Works great.

[carver 1]

Originally Posted by Al and Missy

That is a great looking project. I think I'll have to do it. I had to google "luted" but now I know what that means, and I knew what Rivnuts were, but I'm used to them being pressed and expanded into Aluminum with a hydraulic press. Google is your friend, I found the Rivnuts and installation tool online.

What panel clips did you use? Zooming in on your picture they look like the clips that Lowes and HF sell to hold window screens into window frames.


Thanks,

Al

I got the panel clips at ACE Hardware.

>>ron<<

[carver 1]

Originally Posted by SeeMore

Hint, if you mount the screen clips tab side down (opposite instructions) there is no need to lute. You can also mount the plexi inside the screen so you easily remove the panels for those seasons when you want the fresh air. 1/8" plexi fits perfectly; project time = 1 hour.

In my mind, one of the advantages of the .080 plexi is that it is very light and puts less strain on the Aluminum hinges that support the screen door. Use of the screen clips provides a very easy approach to taking the panels off and on. The Admiral made a cover for the panels(something that resembles a pillow case) and we can store the panels behind the couch when not in use.

>>ron<<

[richinny]

i put my panels on the outside. if it rains without the awning out, it is less likely to drip inside because of the curve of the trailer and door.