Adding a Door to a Flip-Over?

[VanderLaan]

Got an old Clam Guide that serves me well.  However, I get tired of having to flip the front up to get in and out of it.  Thinking of taking it to a boat cover shop and seeing if they can put a nice "D" door in it.  Anyone ever do something like this?  If so, how did it work out?

[eriksat1]

I see no reason why they couldn't add a zipper, but the cost may be better off just buying a new flip over complete cover?

[silvercreeker]

Clam usually has replacement covers on sale, might be cheaper then the boat shop.

[Drifter_016]

I put a rear door in my Trekker II this year.
I just bought a Trekker DLX cover.   

[VanderLaan]

Clam wants $170 for a replacement tent.  I live near the bottom of the ice-belt, so I cannot justify dropping that much coin for something that is really nothing more than a minor inconvenience.  I will likely see what the cover shop will charge for a zipper and then go from there.  I was just curious if anyone did a retrofit and how happy there were with it.

[BIGCREW]

I have never done that but I would look for a shop that does awnings for buildings,they do alot more sewing work than the boat guys do,and most likely thats where he would take it anyway so cut out the middle man and save a few bucks,get a price from both of them and see who is cheaper,where I work at we send our large tents that need repairs to an awning shop,2 years ago I had them replace a zipper on my pack tent and they only charged me 30 bucks and they only had it 2 days

[michianafisherman]

Got an old Clam Guide that serves me well.  However, I get tired of having to flip the front up to get in and out of it.  Thinking of taking it to a boat cover shop and seeing if they can put a nice "D" door in it.  Anyone ever do something like this?  If so, how did it work out?

I know a woman who sews in new windows for the jeep people that have the soft top version. You would have to send your tent cover to her then she could put in a new door with zipper and windows if you wanted.  Or you can find someone closer to you. The woman is in Northern Indiana.
 I was wondering why you think a door with a zipper would be better than lifting the front up to get in and out? Heat loss? Easier? If it seams to hard to lift the front up I would engineer some sort of handle or strap that would be accessible when I stood up to leave. Just sounds better than messing with a frozen zipper. But if you want a door, it can be done.

[swisscheez]

i would like to add a trap link zipper system to my new pro tc seems clam is in a lawsuit over these things. i would buy an old one if i could find one there like none existent.

[filetandrelease]

Got an old Clam Guide that serves me well.  However, I get tired of having to flip the front up to get in and out of it.  Thinking of taking it to a boat cover shop and seeing if they can put a nice "D" door in it.  Anyone ever do something like this?  If so, how did it work out?

i bought a kenai first year it was made they had  no door , took it to a canvas maker who did boat work and he put one in and it is at least twice as heavy as the one clam puts in theirs , and i couldn't be happier and he made it so i could do just the bottom or just top or full door  the zippers come together half way up i don't have any pics though sorry ,if you would like one i can do

[bpiatt]

i bought a kenai first year it was made they had  no door , took it to a canvas maker who did boat work and he put one in and it is at least twice as heavy as the one clam puts in theirs , and i couldn't be happier and he made it so i could do just the bottom or just top or full door  the zippers come together half way up i don't have any pics though sorry ,if you would like one i can do

I've got a clam dave genz fish trap II with no door and I think I want what you had done. Could you please pm me the name of the canvas maker and possibly what you paid? If you don't want to disclose what you paid I completely understand and apologize for asking.

[kl3377]

I have never done that but I would look for a shop that does awnings for buildings,they do alot more sewing work than the boat guys do,and most likely thats where he would take it anyway so cut out the middle man and save a few bucks,get a price from both of them and see who is cheaper,where I work at we send our large tents that need repairs to an awning shop,2 years ago I had them replace a zipper on my pack tent and they only charged me 30 bucks and they only had it 2 days

Exactly what I was thinking.  Or a reupholstery shop that does convertible tops.

[lunker1281]

anyone that does hemming for clothing could do it. just look in your local phonebook for someone that does it out of there house.

[BWB]

anyone that does hemming for clothing could do it. just look in your local phonebook for someone that does it out of there house.

Not exactly, most people wouldn't have a  sewing machine big enough to handle the amount of canvas there is in an entire shack cover.

[swisscheez]

i guess it all depends on where you live lunker1281 your city must covered in industrial sewing factories help a brother out

[michianafisherman]

i guess it all depends on where you live lunker1281 your city must covered in industrial sewing factories help a brother out

So true, we live in an area that has everything! Even the number one team in the nation!
We have nine industrial sewing machines where I work. Also just purchased a welder for putting seams in material. It will be running by the end of the week. We don't do the kind of work with them you require for the door, but there are several shops in our area that do this sort of work. Sometimes it's hard for us to believe its different in other places.

[swisscheez]

GO IRISH. i live very near SB I'm very fortunate for the industries around here

[lunker1281]

Go Irish #1. I think I might know a few different factories that do some sewing around Elkhart

[$ignmoney]

I got one put in about 4 years ago. The local tent shop did it for me. Works great. They didn't want to try a curved zipper so we went with 2 straight ones. Look in yellow pages under tents or tent repair and you may find one that can do it for you. My scout is on the right. Son in laws new clam on the left. See the difference? His is quite a bit lighter also.  If I had to do it again I would just get a new hut. 50. for zipper or 200. for the whole darn thing

[lunker1281]

is that a kenai?

[VanderLaan]

Thanks for all the insight.  Will likely call an awning shop and tent maker in town.  Will post pics if it happens.

All you Golden Domers stop hijacking my thread.    (LOL!  I grew up about 90 miles north of SB and bleed blue).   

[lunker1281]

#1    lol

[campfindit2]

A friend made an Ontario style with canvas on all sides. He purchased a body bag for the door, lasted a few years befor the zipper let out.

[swisscheez]

go irish bleed blue and gold i hope.lmao

[$ignmoney]

is that a kenai?

Yes and a scout on the right

[filetandrelease]

heres the door i had put in my  kenai

[lunker1281]

nice....how does that work being 10" narrower than the pro?

[filetandrelease]

nice....how does that work being 10" narrower than the pro?

well it is a trade off i have 2 holes and fish one , but i can carry more stuff in the Keanai , the way tub sits  in the pro you can drill 3 holes and fish 2 i like them both , you just need to set in them to see whats better for you

[lunker1281]

ive been thinking of picking up a kenai for the same reasons. but not sure yet. i think i can pimp out the pro and get as much stuff in it. the price point is great though vs. the pro

[filetandrelease]

ive been thinking of picking up a kenai for the same reasons. but not sure yet. i think i can pimp out the pro and get as much stuff in it. the price point is great though vs. the pro

if you do i would like to see a pic thanks L-1281