If you buy a heat panel, and have it shipped to AP they will install it and route a channel for the power cord.
Personally I wouldn't go with anything other than the sliding glass doors, they maximize viewing, slide really well, and if needed simply push up on them and they lift out of the tracks.
I have thought about making my own large enclosures (I too have access to a shop) when I get either a monitor lizard or a reticulated python. (I'm talking about a 8' x 4' x 4' or 12' x 4' x 4' cage)
what I am planning on doing is building an aluminum frame (welded or screwed together not sure which yet) using 3/4" box aluminum (6061 alloy). I would then skin the frame with 1/8" PVC sheets.
I'm glad my thread has been useful to you!
I agree, I'm just not into racks I would much rather have stacks of larger cages!
I will use them for hatchlings, but not much else.