On Sat, 30 Jun 2007 16:08:42 -0700, "Jon R. Pickens"
wrote:

Hi all...

Here's the dilema. I just moved into a different house that has a
sliding glass door out back. I need to install a pet door. I did the
obvious, and ordered a panel (insert) that goes in the track between
the actual door and door jamb.

I went to install it today, and there's three problems:

1. the panel is huge (it has to be, the dog is also huge) therefore
only allowing me to fit through when I turn slightly sideways.

I can't follow this. Are you saying that when you open the sgd all
the way, there is still only room if you turn sideways? Unless the
dogdoor is wider than it has to be, don't think there is any solution
to that.

2. there's a gap that starts small up top and opens up to about 3/8"
at the bottom, between the door and the panel.

3. there's not what I feel is a good way to lock the door. Instead,
there's simply a small pin/latch mechanism that mounts at the bottom
on the track to keep the door from opening.

GEt a piece of 2x2 or even 2x4, cut it to the length desired and put
it in the channel where you don't want the door to be. Or a metal
pipe. I have two lengths of metal conduit, one for when I'm away that
is full length, and one for when I'm home but I leave the door open
all night.

So, after analyzing the construction of the door, I feel I could make
my own if I had some long pieces of the aluminum stock that makes up
the frame. I could utilize the latch mechanism from the original
door, and have the bottom section of the door solid (probably
plywood), with the pet door installed in that, and the top half of the
door would be glass.

You keep saying the door, when I think you mean the door opening,
unless you plan to attach the plywood and glass to the sliding part.

Furthermore, I'd actually be able to open and
close the whole thing as a single unit, allowing full and easy access
to the patio.

So has anyone tackled this before or does anyone know where to get the
supplies to make my own?

I'd call some glass shops with trucks. When they have to replace a
door, they must often have a leftover used door, which they may save
for parts. Or they will if you ask them to. I say this because it
seems you need an additional latch, and maybe a wheel for the part you
add on. You may also end up giving them the business of cutting the
top glass.

Thanks in advance.

~jp