Barn door / Tailgate Hatch Help

[KC_Goose]

I have a 68' Panel Truck that has the barn doors on it and i really like the tailgate and hatch better. is it possible to switch the barn doors over and does anyone know how much would be involved..

thanks

[sharpie1972]

All of the suburbans have the provisions for either set-up. I'm assuming panels would too. A picture would confirm that. You should have empty slots for hinges top and bottom filled with rubber plugs if it does. Your best bet is to find a donor with every piece you need or someone who is willing to strip everything and ship. Then it's just a matter of bolting the pieces on. Sharpie

[KC_Goose]

Sharpie

Thanks for the info. I will check it out

[rsavage]

I have a 70 Burb with Barn Doors. I also have a hatch and tailgate I was planning to install in lieu of the barn doors. However, the sill plate and the header plate do not have the slotted provisions for the hinges on the gates. I don't believe that the sill and header are bolt in pieces, at least it doesn't look like it to me. It looks like there are plates in the side jams for the lifts and latches, but I believe you will be stymied by the header and sill.

[sharpie1972]

rsavage might be right. I have a burb with barn doors.... but it was converted from a hatch. Might be able to go that way, but not the other way???? Sharpie

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by sharpie1972

rsavage might be right. I have a burb with barn doors.... but it was converted from a hatch. Might be able to go that way, but not the other way???? Sharpie

Rsavage is correct. However that sill pieces is bolt in and you can swap one from a tailgate burb.

[KC_Goose]

I just checked out my panel and there are not any provisions for the hatch and tailgate. The upper head peice looks to be bolted in but the lower sill plate seems to be welded in place. Hopefully I can find a decent set of header and sill peices when I find a tailgate and hatch.

[CharlieBrown]

If it came with a hatch/tailgate..then there are knockouts for the barn doors

if it came with barn doors there are no blanks for the tailgate/hatch

[KC_Goose]

Thanks for the help guys..Now its time for me to find a decent gate and hatch and work on the conversion..

[sharpie1972]

The lower piece is bolted in, but.... it's large and a little complicated to get out. I cut the frame rails to drop it out the bottom of a parts burb. If yours is still on the frame you may have to lift the body up to get it out. Sharpie