Inspired by others on this forum, I decided to fabricate my own metal oil door. I used .064 aluminum, a hidden hinge, and a suprlus Hartwell latch I got from Spruce for $25. For somethign that is going to be operated thousands of times, I wanted somethign a little more ruged than Vans' fiberglass oil door and camlocks. I went through two fiberglass oil doors before I decided this. I had troubles getting the fiberglass door to really stay down flush, particularly at the corners. I also beefed up the lip under the door with extra layers of fiberglass, particularly where the latch grabs it. The metal door can be shaped perfectly. I also like how rugged it feels, particularly with the beefy Hartwell latch.
Photos below in case anyone wants to do something similar.
![](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fimg195.imageshack.us%2Fimg195%2F7999%2Foildoor1.th.jpg&hash=e5db732dc773b7f7b466c71486a5ffd8)
![](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fimg266.imageshack.us%2Fimg266%2F6043%2Foildoor2.th.jpg&hash=3b7daf86e478aa2af364c7c7359eb5ca)
Photos below in case anyone wants to do something similar.
![](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fimg195.imageshack.us%2Fimg195%2F7999%2Foildoor1.th.jpg&hash=e5db732dc773b7f7b466c71486a5ffd8)
![](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fimg266.imageshack.us%2Fimg266%2F6043%2Foildoor2.th.jpg&hash=3b7daf86e478aa2af364c7c7359eb5ca)