buy an openner sized for the door.

Well duh...I think I already knew that! What I was concerned about is if those brackets that I had mentioned before extend out enough to raise the door up high enough.

RLH - hi, I recently replaced an old garage door opener (chain drive) with a newer model (screw drive). I got it at H-ome D-epot and they sold extensions for the screw drive to work with larger doors such as yours. I think the more commonly available openers are made for 7-foot doors. The instructions should state what size door the opener will work with, and you should be able to read those over before you buy the unit. I hope this helps some - regards! Jim D/Heathsville, VA

Thanks for your help!!! You answered my question regarding the brackets.

Another thought - unless you have a very tall van or other vehicle to park in the garage, you don't need the 8-foot door to open all the way. It just needs to open sufficiently high to use for your purposes. Chances are a regular-size opener would do that.
My door is wood, 18 x 7 and the 1/2 hp opener is strong enough. It should do fine for a 16 x 8. It's important to keep the rollers and moving parts lubricated though.

[This message has been edited by rpxlpx (edited May 12, 2003).]