Barn Doors

[scott321968]

I have a new to me 78 K20 Suburban. I would like to switch to barn doors in the future, if I can find a donor. Has anyone tried this? We have a 2000 Yukon with Barn doors and I like them better. Also, my tailgate is in bad shape. Thoughts?

 

[bucket]

If it weren't for the differences in tailpans, it would be a simple swap. Your '78 will have all the bolt holes for the barn doors, but you have to modify the tail pan for the strikers or replace it with a new tail pan meant for barn doors.

 

[89Suburban]

I am proud to be a barn door lover.

Bucket, what about the rest of the rear door jambs? Like where the tailgate latches are and the barn door hinges mount? And at the top where the doors would close but on the tailgate models they have that extra molding where the window slides up into? And all that weather stripping and stuff. Very interesting topic to discuss.

 

[bucket]

The earlier ones have all the bolt holes for both. All that upper trim comes off and the striker bolt holes are there, and the bolt holes are right there in the sides for the hinges (they have covers over them IIRC).

I briefly had an '80 tailgate Burb for parts a while back and noticed the extra bolt holes, then shortly after I saw a conversion how-to somewhere on the internet.

 

[89Suburban]

You rock.

 

[bucket]

You rock.

Negative. You sir, are the one that rocks.

 

[austinado16]

Thumbs up for Barn Doors!!!! In fact, I see that LMC Truck carries all the weatherstripping for them. Happy xmas to me!

 

[89Suburban]

Thumbs up for Barn Doors!!!! In fact, I see that LMC Truck carries all the weatherstripping for them. Happy xmas to me!

Lucky duck!!

 

[TheBlue'Burban]

Having a rear window out of it's track, and not able to get my tailgate down because of it, I am more and more partial to the barndoor. Less stuff to go wrong... a lot easier to just open a door, grab a tool bag and go... instead of having to roll the window down, open the tailgate, climb in over it, grab the bag, and then reverse the process....

Great Idea for a swap, something I will have to put on my list of "someday" mods.

 

[austinado16]

Lucky duck!!

Haven't ordered 'em yet, but will. Had no idea they were still available until I stumbled across an ebay auction for them. Decided to check LMC and sure enough.

 

[bucket]

Tailgate or barn doors, I don't discriminate. I do like the tailgate better for a few reasons, mostly I love being able to drive with the window down. Plus you get an extended loading floor for hauling long items, and no window posts in your rear view. And somewhere to sit and have a beer.

Barn doors do have easy access to the rear, and they still can operate after the tail pan rots out.

 

[kleedus]

I am putting barn doors on my blazer
http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7940

 

[scott321968]

Still looking for a donor. Get out and drive some back roads in the spring. Sometimes I find more that way than on the list.

 

[HAZZARDJOHN]

I hate the tailgate after having one, but I love the idea of barn doors, but they have limitations too. Having owned several SUV's in my time, a lift-gate is far superior to all options on square subs. Quick open and out of the way, no tailgate to climb over, and even better yet most have a window you can open individually. Suburbans are limited regardless, some benefits to barn door, some benefit to tailgate. The answer is two suburbans of course.

 

[HotRodPC]

hmmm, I wasn't aware of all these bad things about the tailgate issues, but I'd sure prefer tailgate and power glass myself. I now see there is certainly some pros to farmer John doors. I guess that just means I'll be happy with either one, but I still think I'll prefer tailgate. It's not like I'll be using a Burb for a hearse. Jus Sayin'.