How do you convert the Suburban tailgate to cargo doors. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mower · 02-02-2002, 02:28 PM

Is there a conversian kit available to change the tailgate to the doors. Has anyone done this. I've read that the problem is the lower section that needs to be cut and refabricated.

gchemist · 02-04-2002, 11:39 AM

mower,

Get a Suburban catalogue from www.lmctruck.com. They have a new catalogue that has parts for the 88-91 suburbans. I'm not sure if the when GM changed to the doors but the catalogue from LMC should give you some idea on the details to make a conversion. I'm pretty sure the hinge mechanisms for the doors would have to fabriacated to the older style. I have not heard of anyone trying or doing the conversion.

generic00100 · 02-09-2002, 08:51 PM

I've got a '77 2WD that I would like to convert as well. Please let me know if you find more definitive information about this. Thank you.

u2slow · 02-10-2002, 09:57 AM

Aww.. come on guys - who's got money for new everything? Roll on down to the local bone yard and pick up some barndoors with the hinges & latches complete. Also get the hinge anchor plates - this is what the hinge-bolts bolt into. Maybe even measure the location of the hinge slots while you're there.

The beauty of this swap is the body tubs for barndoor and tailgate Subs are all the same. You just need to drill holes for the hinge bolts and cut slots for the hinges.

Many of these 'projects' seem totally insurmountable until you get started. This has been my experience anyway. (with other projects - I haven't done a Sub barn-door swap yet)

generic00100 · 02-11-2002, 04:03 PM

Thank you for the info, I really don't have the dough for a high dollar kit, but I like to get some idea of the cost. I was hoping to find someone else who actually performed the swap, that they may convey some of their wisdom, tips, and tricks. Plus I'm not quite ready to tackle this myself, I need to get my other truck running before I tear apart this one. Has anyone out there performed this swap?

JON67 · 02-20-2002, 11:56 AM

This might sound like a dumb question but why is it better to have the barn doors than the tailgate. I was looking at getting an 88-91 suburban and the problem I am finding is most are barn doors and I think I like the tailgate better.

thanks

------------------
1967 custom camper 3/4 ton 327
1967 Ford Mustang 200cid 3 spd manual
1999 Kia Sephia (I like how the name ryhmes)

generic00100 · 02-21-2002, 05:07 PM

Well, personally I despise having to roll down a window to access the cargo space. The damn thing makes a racket and is slow, plus the key switch outside quit working. If it wasn't for the great deal I got on it, my great uncle was the original owner, I would never have messed with this thing. So now I will try to turn it into what I really wanted.

**Captkaos** · 03-03-2002, 03:33 PM

The holes for the barn doors hinges are already in the body. They are usually covered with plastic plugs. The top surround that the glass goes up in just unbolts. The hinges are exposed on the back, so you don't need to cut anything. If you get the doors and hinges from a donor truck, everything will bolt on.

------------------
Chris Lucas
1973 Chevy C-10
1975 Chevy Silverado
Captkaos Customs

chrisMacDonald · 09-06-2017, 10:50 AM

I know I am replying to a super old post, but is it that easy? Direct bolt on replacement?

I have a 1987 GMC Suburban Classic that has a tailgate with a broken back window and motor and switch. When looking into the cost of the parts I found a set of barn doors on a junkyard 1984 Suburban.

I am assuming the 84 doors will work on the 87, yeah?

I want to arrange to pick them up but wanted to know exactly I would be getting into prior to taking the trip. Any info would be helpful.

chevy3100truck · 09-06-2017, 04:53 PM

It depends on the year whether there are holes for the barndoors and tailgate options. I have a beater Suburban (tub is an '86 I think - not 100% sure, but that's what it's titled as). The previous owner swapped it from a tailgate to barn doors, but had to add the bolt anchor plates (cut sheet metal and added them). Also need to change the sill at the bottom of the door to the barn door style as it has a catch.

The barn doors don't line up perfect, but I'm guessing that is just because it was kind of a sloppy job (the whole thing is rough, but it runs great, so winter beater status it gets)

Electricduane · 09-07-2017, 02:42 PM

Short answer: it's hard. Are you sure you want to get involved in that?

chrisMacDonald · 09-29-2017, 02:31 PM

Hey Guys -

Yeah, to be honest I need to replace the glass in the rear gate and like I said the parts that I need motor, glass, stoppers etc etc end up being rather expensive. I got barn doors from an 84 Suburban cheap, I have an 87 - so I figure since I like barn doors better I might as well give it a try.

I got the latches and bolts for the doors on LMC and I have taken off the tailgate, am just now taking off the surround to see what I am working with.

My guess is that I will find out once I get into it? I am only guessing that the bolt anchor plates will be needed and do something to the bottom sill.

@chevy3100truck any chance you could send me a picture of that conversion - mainly the hinge and sill parts?

chrisMacDonald · 10-18-2017, 11:47 AM

So I found out that LMC carries the cargo doors sill for the bottom of the doors:
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/csb/865w/0012.jpg

Ski-me · 10-19-2017, 05:49 PM

Just saw these locally.....

https://cosprings.craigslist.org/pts...350386382.html

chrisMacDonald · 11-15-2017, 05:51 PM

Having gone full circle on this - the answer is dont. You would need / need to do the following

a. The doors
b. Cut into rear to expose hinge plates
c. Cut through interior (2 levels) to get to back of hinge plates
d. Weld or attach nuts to bolts (since the screw holes are there for barn doors but the older and ones that come with barn door have nuts welded on the back of the hinge plates.
e. Remove bottom rear ledge (unscrew and cut left and right welds)
f. Spread frame or opening in rear to insert new ledge from LMC Truck.
g. Weld in new ledge.
h. Buy all new hardware for latches for doors from LMC.

Hope that it all magically lines up correctly. In the end, I got the doors reading it was 100% swapable but alas it is not and you could do it a 100 horrible ways and it would be a huge PIA so I put the tailgate back on.

02-02-2002, 02:28 PM	#1
mower Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Waterloo, IA USA Posts: 1	How do you convert the Suburban tailgate to cargo doors. Is there a conversian kit available to change the tailgate to the doors. Has anyone done this. I've read that the problem is the lower section that needs to be cut and refabricated.

02-04-2002, 11:39 AM	#2
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	mower, Get a Suburban catalogue from www.lmctruck.com. They have a new catalogue that has parts for the 88-91 suburbans. I'm not sure if the when GM changed to the doors but the catalogue from LMC should give you some idea on the details to make a conversion. I'm pretty sure the hinge mechanisms for the doors would have to fabriacated to the older style. I have not heard of anyone trying or doing the conversion. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

02-10-2002, 09:57 AM	#4
u2slow Web Wheeler Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: BC, Canada, eh? Posts: 388	Aww.. come on guys - who's got money for new everything? Roll on down to the local bone yard and pick up some barndoors with the hinges & latches complete. Also get the hinge anchor plates - this is what the hinge-bolts bolt into. Maybe even measure the location of the hinge slots while you're there. The beauty of this swap is the body tubs for barndoor and tailgate Subs are all the same. You just need to drill holes for the hinge bolts and cut slots for the hinges. Many of these 'projects' seem totally insurmountable until you get started. This has been my experience anyway. (with other projects - I haven't done a Sub barn-door swap yet) __________________ '66 C10 longstep - Clifford equiped '84 C20 Suburban 6.2L - awaiting 4x4 conversion '91 V3500 Crewcab - awaiting diesel swap

03-03-2002, 03:33 PM	#8
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	The holes for the barn doors hinges are already in the body. They are usually covered with plastic plugs. The top surround that the glass goes up in just unbolts. The hinges are exposed on the back, so you don't need to cut anything. If you get the doors and hinges from a donor truck, everything will bolt on. ------------------ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1975 Chevy Silverado Captkaos Customs __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

09-06-2017, 10:50 AM	#9
chrisMacDonald Registered User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ashburn, VA Posts: 5	Re: How do you convert the Suburban tailgate to cargo doors. I know I am replying to a super old post, but is it that easy? Direct bolt on replacement? I have a 1987 GMC Suburban Classic that has a tailgate with a broken back window and motor and switch. When looking into the cost of the parts I found a set of barn doors on a junkyard 1984 Suburban. I am assuming the 84 doors will work on the 87, yeah? I want to arrange to pick them up but wanted to know exactly I would be getting into prior to taking the trip. Any info would be helpful. Last edited by chrisMacDonald; 09-06-2017 at 01:15 PM.

02-09-2002, 08:51 PM	#3
generic00100 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: OR, USA Posts: 12	I've got a '77 2WD that I would like to convert as well. Please let me know if you find more definitive information about this. Thank you.

02-11-2002, 04:03 PM	#5
generic00100 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: OR, USA Posts: 12	Thank you for the info, I really don't have the dough for a high dollar kit, but I like to get some idea of the cost. I was hoping to find someone else who actually performed the swap, that they may convey some of their wisdom, tips, and tricks. Plus I'm not quite ready to tackle this myself, I need to get my other truck running before I tear apart this one. Has anyone out there performed this swap?

02-20-2002, 11:56 AM	#6
JON67 Lootie Stole My Truck Join Date: May 2001 Location: Mountlake Terrace WA USA Posts: 822	This might sound like a dumb question but why is it better to have the barn doors than the tailgate. I was looking at getting an 88-91 suburban and the problem I am finding is most are barn doors and I think I like the tailgate better. thanks ------------------ 1967 custom camper 3/4 ton 327 1967 Ford Mustang 200cid 3 spd manual 1999 Kia Sephia (I like how the name ryhmes)

02-21-2002, 05:07 PM	#7
generic00100 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: OR, USA Posts: 12	Well, personally I despise having to roll down a window to access the cargo space. The damn thing makes a racket and is slow, plus the key switch outside quit working. If it wasn't for the great deal I got on it, my great uncle was the original owner, I would never have messed with this thing. So now I will try to turn it into what I really wanted.

09-06-2017, 04:53 PM	#10
chevy3100truck Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Mission BC Posts: 117	Re: How do you convert the Suburban tailgate to cargo doors. It depends on the year whether there are holes for the barndoors and tailgate options. I have a beater Suburban (tub is an '86 I think - not 100% sure, but that's what it's titled as). The previous owner swapped it from a tailgate to barn doors, but had to add the bolt anchor plates (cut sheet metal and added them). Also need to change the sill at the bottom of the door to the barn door style as it has a catch. The barn doors don't line up perfect, but I'm guessing that is just because it was kind of a sloppy job (the whole thing is rough, but it runs great, so winter beater status it gets)

09-07-2017, 02:42 PM	#11
Electricduane Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 107	Re: How do you convert the Suburban tailgate to cargo doors. Short answer: it's hard. Are you sure you want to get involved in that?

09-29-2017, 02:31 PM	#12
chrisMacDonald Registered User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ashburn, VA Posts: 5	Re: How do you convert the Suburban tailgate to cargo doors. Hey Guys - Yeah, to be honest I need to replace the glass in the rear gate and like I said the parts that I need motor, glass, stoppers etc etc end up being rather expensive. I got barn doors from an 84 Suburban cheap, I have an 87 - so I figure since I like barn doors better I might as well give it a try. I got the latches and bolts for the doors on LMC and I have taken off the tailgate, am just now taking off the surround to see what I am working with. My guess is that I will find out once I get into it? I am only guessing that the bolt anchor plates will be needed and do something to the bottom sill. @chevy3100truck any chance you could send me a picture of that conversion - mainly the hinge and sill parts?

10-18-2017, 11:47 AM	#13
chrisMacDonald Registered User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ashburn, VA Posts: 5	Re: How do you convert the Suburban tailgate to cargo doors. So I found out that LMC carries the cargo doors sill for the bottom of the doors: http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/csb/865w/0012.jpg

10-19-2017, 05:49 PM	#14
Ski-me Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colo Springs, CO Posts: 870	Re: How do you convert the Suburban tailgate to cargo doors. Just saw these locally..... https://cosprings.craigslist.org/pts...350386382.html Attached Images __________________ - Jeff 89' K5 Blazer, 2.5" lift, 35" tires 04' GMC Yukon XL, 3/4 ton, 8.1L

11-15-2017, 05:51 PM	#15
chrisMacDonald Registered User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ashburn, VA Posts: 5	Re: How do you convert the Suburban tailgate to cargo doors. Having gone full circle on this - the answer is dont. You would need / need to do the following a. The doors b. Cut into rear to expose hinge plates c. Cut through interior (2 levels) to get to back of hinge plates d. Weld or attach nuts to bolts (since the screw holes are there for barn doors but the older and ones that come with barn door have nuts welded on the back of the hinge plates. e. Remove bottom rear ledge (unscrew and cut left and right welds) f. Spread frame or opening in rear to insert new ledge from LMC Truck. g. Weld in new ledge. h. Buy all new hardware for latches for doors from LMC. Hope that it all magically lines up correctly. In the end, I got the doors reading it was 100% swapable but alas it is not and you could do it a 100 horrible ways and it would be a huge PIA so I put the tailgate back on.



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