clamshell to barn doors??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**JQ-72** · 08-28-2008, 05:01 PM

Sorry if this has already been covered, but can you install barn doors on a clamshell equipped Suburban? Any modifications? Mounting locations? Thanks for any help.
Joshua

Long Roof · 08-28-2008, 05:16 PM

The clam shell burb should have all the required mounting locations for the doors. I have not done this swap myself but I have two clam shell burbs and everything appears to be there for the doors.

suville · 08-28-2008, 07:31 PM

I believe it is easier to swap from hatch and gate to barn doors than it is the other way around, there is a difference in the floor where the gate hinges mount not sure about the hatch area you may have to patch in the notches for the gate hinges for a door seal surface. I have barn doors and am collecting parts to do the conversion Wes is doin on his panel, hatch and half doors. There should be some plastic plugs on the door opening sides and the mounting plate should be behind them for the barn door hinges to mount. Maybe someone can provide sum pics for reference. Hope this is of sum help!

IAFF2407 · 08-28-2008, 10:39 PM

I'm converting from clam shell to barn doors as well and have all the mounting plates screws etc.

sorry not meaning to hyjack your thread but I'm curious if anyone has done this conversion and regretted it. I want the doors for pulling a trailer but I definitely like the look of the clamshells.

RussTburb · 08-29-2008, 04:46 AM

I'm Wanting to do it too. I can't imagine why I would regret it except maybe because I'd whack my shin on the hitch EVERY time instead of only when the gate was up

I have seen it done on this site one other time like a million years ago and I guess it is easy squeezy. Good luck, take pictures and share, please?
Dennis

boostat4500 · 08-29-2008, 09:47 AM

I have the barn doors and hate them.

*edited by mod*
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RussTburb · 08-29-2008, 04:49 PM

Hey Boost, what is it that you hate about the barn doors?

boostat4500 · 08-30-2008, 12:15 AM

I just think they are kind of inconvenient. You can't drive with them open if you need to haul something big like you could with a tailgate. I'd rather have the tailgate to sit on when camping or cruising. I can't open them in the garage, though probably not an issue for stock height trucks. And lastley, if a vehicle is more than about 4 or 5 car lengths behind me, they completely disapear in the center "beam" of the 2 doors.
What don't you guys like about the clam shell?

RussTburb · 08-30-2008, 02:05 AM

Can't open the tailgate with the trailer hooked up. Can't reach anything up against the back of the 3rd seat, Lift gate is quirky, and very heavy. I understand there are some gas strut coversions, I might look into it. My biggest beef is reaching way over the tailgate. I really do hit my shin on the not so well installed trailer hitch. I should smack the guy in the head that put it in!

OH yeah that was me! Dang it. In my defense I bought a hitch that would fit my burb, then it didn't fit right so I had to shim it and there you have it, sticks way out. really only when the stinger is in but I should get a hidden hitch one day. My wife likes the look of the barn doors and it would be a lot easier for her to load groceries. I hadn't thought of a visibility issue thanks.

RussTburb · 08-30-2008, 02:08 AM

Oh and when its raining and you open the lift gate, water poors in all over your stuff!

But your right, chilling on the tailgate sippin' a cold one IS pretty sweet!

Maybe a barn door, lift gate combo like on some astro vans is the solution. Any one done that (he ask not really excpecting a reply, in someone elses thread, sorry Joshua, I'll start my own!)

Longhorn Man · 08-30-2008, 10:01 AM

wes has photos of his done up like that somewhere on here.
I had thought I wanted barn doors, but now that I have the clamshell... I think I prefer them.

Classic Bowties · 08-30-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JQ-72

Sorry if this has already been covered, but can you install barn doors on a clamshell equipped Suburban? Any modifications? Mounting locations? Thanks for any help.
Joshua

Quote:

Originally Posted by suville

I believe it is easier to swap from hatch and gate to barn doors than it is the other way around, there is a difference in the floor where the gate hinges mount not sure about the hatch area you may have to patch in the notches for the gate hinges for a door seal surface. I have barn doors and am collecting parts to do the conversion Wes is doin on his panel, hatch and half doors. There should be some plastic plugs on the door opening sides and the mounting plate should be behind them for the barn door hinges to mount. Maybe someone can provide sum pics for reference. Hope this is of sum help!

Joshua, here are some pics of a 71 burb that I picked up earlier this year that the po had already done this clamshell to barn door mod on and he said everything needed was already on the body besides the barn doors, door hinges, door check straps, latches and rubber bumpers. You can see that the original slots for the upper hatch hinges were never filled but he did make up some filler patch plates for the tailgate hinge slots and the tailgate latch/strap mounting areas, see pics. I think everything that suville stated above is correct with the only body difference being that lower filler panel that sits under the gate/doors and above the bumper, I have pictured this type barn door only filler panel as removed below. Hopefully that helps you some on your conversion if you end up going for it, let me know if you need a different angle or shot and I will get it for you.

Classic Bowties · 08-30-2008, 08:21 PM

Here are the last five...

clean cut creations · 09-23-2008, 12:47 PM

Frizzle Fry · 09-23-2008, 11:58 PM

First pic was mock up with my old/rusty gates. It needs new/different gas struts after the hinge upgrade, but you get the idea:

**Nobby** · 03-10-2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68lowburb

anybody got a good clam shell? need one bad thanks jimmy

Hey Jimmy, My kids found a bucket full on the beach in Florida.Let me know how many you need.

Nobby

ole red · 03-16-2010, 11:00 AM

I was gonna convert from clam shell to barn doors and finally decided it was not worth it. Getting the plates in the right place was the biggest issue. I do have all the parts to convert. Gonna keep it original, clam shell.

sierragrande71 · 03-17-2010, 12:06 AM

I thinks clam shells look cooler. Just my 2cents.

chris mc bride · 03-18-2010, 11:46 AM

my 69 came with barndoors.actually was ordered that way because it was to be used to work out of.Ive seen the clam style and thought they would be paint at times,after checking this thread I guess it depends on your use and both have plus and negatives.
KInd of like life we always want what we don't have and if we get it we miss what we had.

AzDon · 03-20-2010, 12:01 AM

FF- How much does that combined hatch weigh? Did you hafta double-joint those inboard hinges? I'd really like to see pics of the hinges!

bondo510 · 07-21-2011, 06:18 AM

I have barn doors and want clamshell so bad I think I am going to sell mine and look for another one!

Street Smart · 07-21-2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clean cut creations

sick!

jeffg1010 · 07-25-2011, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussTburb

Can't open the tailgate with the trailer hooked up. Can't reach anything up against the back of the 3rd seat, Lift gate is quirky, and very heavy. I understand there are some gas strut coversions, I might look into it. My biggest beef is reaching way over the tailgate. I really do hit my shin on the not so well installed trailer hitch. I should smack the guy in the head that put it in!

OH yeah that was me! Dang it. In my defense I bought a hitch that would fit my burb, then it didn't fit right so I had to shim it and there you have it, sticks way out. really only when the stinger is in but I should get a hidden hitch one day. My wife likes the look of the barn doors and it would be a lot easier for her to load groceries. I hadn't thought of a visibility issue thanks.

Actually I cannot open my barn doors with my camper hooked up, but I can with my utility trailer hooked up. The camper has a electric jack and they wont clear it.

chris mc bride · 12-01-2011, 04:01 PM

Thats main reason my granfather custom ordered his panel ,now mine he want barn doors and few other features that where not normally on panels.

Captainab · 01-01-2017, 09:10 AM

Any one know where I can get 2 barn doors. Mine are in rough shape

08-28-2008, 05:01 PM	#1
JQ-72 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Killen, Alabama USA Posts: 3,529	clamshell to barn doors??? Sorry if this has already been covered, but can you install barn doors on a clamshell equipped Suburban? Any modifications? Mounting locations? Thanks for any help. Joshua __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super swb. Factory 402/400,tach,posi,AM/FM, A/C. Adding cruise, 8-track 72 Cheyenne Super swb. 350/350 A/C, bucket seats 72 Cheyenne swb. Factory 402/400, tilt, posi, A/C 72 Cheyenne Super K-10. 350/4 spd., posi. 72 Suburban 350/350 tilt, tach, AM/FM, A/C, luggage rack 72 GMC Sierra lwb. 350/350, A/C. medium green/olive interior

08-28-2008, 05:16 PM	#2
Long Roof Old School, New Style Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monroeville, Ohio Posts: 790	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? The clam shell burb should have all the required mounting locations for the doors. I have not done this swap myself but I have two clam shell burbs and everything appears to be there for the doors. __________________ The Good: - 72 GMC Jimmy 4x4 - 307 cid / 350 th - 70 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - 454 cid /400 th - 96 Chevy Impala SS - mainly stock - 98 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4 - all stock The Bad: - 86 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 4x4 - winter beater The Ugly: - 72 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - parts truck

08-28-2008, 07:31 PM	#3
suville Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mtn. Home, Idaho Posts: 906	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? I believe it is easier to swap from hatch and gate to barn doors than it is the other way around, there is a difference in the floor where the gate hinges mount not sure about the hatch area you may have to patch in the notches for the gate hinges for a door seal surface. I have barn doors and am collecting parts to do the conversion Wes is doin on his panel, hatch and half doors. There should be some plastic plugs on the door opening sides and the mounting plate should be behind them for the barn door hinges to mount. Maybe someone can provide sum pics for reference. Hope this is of sum help!

08-28-2008, 10:39 PM	#4
IAFF2407 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: White Rock Canada Posts: 865	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? I'm converting from clam shell to barn doors as well and have all the mounting plates screws etc. sorry not meaning to hyjack your thread but I'm curious if anyone has done this conversion and regretted it. I want the doors for pulling a trailer but I definitely like the look of the clamshells. __________________ 1972 GMC Sierra 1972 GMC Super Custom Suburban

08-29-2008, 04:46 AM	#5
RussTburb Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Blaine,Wa. U.S.A Posts: 261	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? I'm Wanting to do it too. I can't imagine why I would regret it except maybe because I'd whack my shin on the hitch EVERY time instead of only when the gate was up I have seen it done on this site one other time like a million years ago and I guess it is easy squeezy. Good luck, take pictures and share, please? Dennis __________________ "Red-heads not war-heads, Blondes, not bombs, Brunettes, not fighter jets!" Fligh of the Choncords 72 burb 3/4 ton 2wd 06 2500 suburban 8.1L 4x4 84 chev 4x4 diesel 96 Geo Metro with the 4cylbb, lol! Almost 300k just won't die! 89 Honda Civic, runs on the smell of an oily rag! 2008 Aerolite 26qs Travel Trailer (aka "THE BARN")

08-29-2008, 09:47 AM	#6
boostat4500 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 346	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? I have the barn doors and hate them. edited by mod To post a parts wanted, or a parts for sale, you must be a subscribing member. It's the best $25 you'll spend. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a....php?f=50&a=17 __________________ 1971 Suburban 4x4, LQ4 6.0L, 4L80E, etc. Last edited by Longhorn Man; 08-29-2008 at 05:17 PM.

08-29-2008, 04:49 PM	#7
RussTburb Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Blaine,Wa. U.S.A Posts: 261	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? Hey Boost, what is it that you hate about the barn doors? __________________ "Red-heads not war-heads, Blondes, not bombs, Brunettes, not fighter jets!" Fligh of the Choncords 72 burb 3/4 ton 2wd 06 2500 suburban 8.1L 4x4 84 chev 4x4 diesel 96 Geo Metro with the 4cylbb, lol! Almost 300k just won't die! 89 Honda Civic, runs on the smell of an oily rag! 2008 Aerolite 26qs Travel Trailer (aka "THE BARN")

08-30-2008, 12:15 AM	#8
boostat4500 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 346	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? I just think they are kind of inconvenient. You can't drive with them open if you need to haul something big like you could with a tailgate. I'd rather have the tailgate to sit on when camping or cruising. I can't open them in the garage, though probably not an issue for stock height trucks. And lastley, if a vehicle is more than about 4 or 5 car lengths behind me, they completely disapear in the center "beam" of the 2 doors. What don't you guys like about the clam shell? __________________ 1971 Suburban 4x4, LQ4 6.0L, 4L80E, etc.

08-30-2008, 02:05 AM	#9
RussTburb Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Blaine,Wa. U.S.A Posts: 261	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? Can't open the tailgate with the trailer hooked up. Can't reach anything up against the back of the 3rd seat, Lift gate is quirky, and very heavy. I understand there are some gas strut coversions, I might look into it. My biggest beef is reaching way over the tailgate. I really do hit my shin on the not so well installed trailer hitch. I should smack the guy in the head that put it in! OH yeah that was me! Dang it. In my defense I bought a hitch that would fit my burb, then it didn't fit right so I had to shim it and there you have it, sticks way out. really only when the stinger is in but I should get a hidden hitch one day. My wife likes the look of the barn doors and it would be a lot easier for her to load groceries. I hadn't thought of a visibility issue thanks. __________________ "Red-heads not war-heads, Blondes, not bombs, Brunettes, not fighter jets!" Fligh of the Choncords 72 burb 3/4 ton 2wd 06 2500 suburban 8.1L 4x4 84 chev 4x4 diesel 96 Geo Metro with the 4cylbb, lol! Almost 300k just won't die! 89 Honda Civic, runs on the smell of an oily rag! 2008 Aerolite 26qs Travel Trailer (aka "THE BARN")

08-30-2008, 02:08 AM	#10
RussTburb Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Blaine,Wa. U.S.A Posts: 261	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? Oh and when its raining and you open the lift gate, water poors in all over your stuff! But your right, chilling on the tailgate sippin' a cold one IS pretty sweet! Maybe a barn door, lift gate combo like on some astro vans is the solution. Any one done that (he ask not really excpecting a reply, in someone elses thread, sorry Joshua, I'll start my own!) __________________ "Red-heads not war-heads, Blondes, not bombs, Brunettes, not fighter jets!" Fligh of the Choncords 72 burb 3/4 ton 2wd 06 2500 suburban 8.1L 4x4 84 chev 4x4 diesel 96 Geo Metro with the 4cylbb, lol! Almost 300k just won't die! 89 Honda Civic, runs on the smell of an oily rag! 2008 Aerolite 26qs Travel Trailer (aka "THE BARN") Last edited by RussTburb; 08-30-2008 at 02:11 AM. Reason: added more

08-30-2008, 10:01 AM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? wes has photos of his done up like that somewhere on here. I had thought I wanted barn doors, but now that I have the clamshell... I think I prefer them.

08-30-2008, 08:21 PM	#13
Classic Bowties Always on the hunt... Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Portland, OR. Posts: 5,538	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? Here are the last five... Attached Images

09-23-2008, 12:47 PM	#14
clean cut creations Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: st louis MO Posts: 60	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? __________________ Don't tell me what you're gonna do...SHOW me what you've DONE!!! Click here for the TRUTH... Last edited by clean cut creations; 09-23-2008 at 12:48 PM.

09-23-2008, 11:58 PM	#15
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? First pic was mock up with my old/rusty gates. It needs new/different gas struts after the hinge upgrade, but you get the idea: Last edited by Frizzle Fry; 09-24-2008 at 12:04 AM.

03-16-2010, 11:00 AM	#17
ole red Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: C-WY Posts: 236	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? I was gonna convert from clam shell to barn doors and finally decided it was not worth it. Getting the plates in the right place was the biggest issue. I do have all the parts to convert. Gonna keep it original, clam shell. __________________ 69 stepside, 1/2ton, 4X4, 350/350/205



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03-17-2010, 12:06 AM	#18
sierragrande71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Orland, CA Posts: 721	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? I thinks clam shells look cooler. Just my 2cents.

03-18-2010, 11:46 AM	#19
chris mc bride Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: greensboro nc Posts: 673	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? my 69 came with barndoors.actually was ordered that way because it was to be used to work out of.Ive seen the clam style and thought they would be paint at times,after checking this thread I guess it depends on your use and both have plus and negatives. KInd of like life we always want what we don't have and if we get it we miss what we had.

03-20-2010, 12:01 AM	#20
AzDon Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lake Havasu,AZ Posts: 202	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? FF- How much does that combined hatch weigh? Did you hafta double-joint those inboard hinges? I'd really like to see pics of the hinges!

07-21-2011, 06:18 AM	#21
bondo510 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sonora CA Posts: 238	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? I have barn doors and want clamshell so bad I think I am going to sell mine and look for another one!

12-01-2011, 04:01 PM	#24
chris mc bride Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: greensboro nc Posts: 673	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? Thats main reason my granfather custom ordered his panel ,now mine he want barn doors and few other features that where not normally on panels.

01-01-2017, 09:10 AM	#25
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: clamshell to barn doors??? Any one know where I can get 2 barn doors. Mine are in rough shape

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