Swapping dutch doors for barn doors

FROM BUFFING YOUR PAINT, TO REPLACING CRINKLED FENDERS TO SWAPPING A NEWER FRONT END ON, TO SHAVING DOOR HANDLES. TO REPLACING DOOR HANDLES OR INSTALLING CUSTOM TAIL LIGHTS, POST THEM HERE.
Post Reply

Topic author
planetarydefender
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:25 am

Swapping dutch doors for barn doors

Post by planetarydefender »

Is it possible convert back to barn doors from dutch doors?

For a camper I think it would be more useful to have the barn doors and be able to exit the rear of the van.

Kidhauler
I sleep in my van
Posts: 877
Joined: Wed Sep 13, 2006 5:46 pm
Location: Vancouver B.C.

Re: Swapping dutch doors for barn doors

Post by Kidhauler »

I believe that the hinges line up. I don't know how the roof will look with the hinges taken out for the top door. Remember the barn doors do not open from the inside.
1999 Safari Touring edition.
trailer tow pack with a 3:73 posi
Bucket bench seats, Rear heat, Rear Airconditioning.
teal green
300 000 kms
AirRide air bags in the rear to fix soft stock suspension.
Onboard aircompressor to make it all work nice.
User avatar

justice
I sleep in my van
Posts: 875
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 4:00 pm
Location: Keeping a good eye on all you yahoos

Re: Swapping dutch doors for barn doors

Post by justice »

just an FYI, the barn doors do not have an internal release. THey can only be opened from the out side. (without some modification)
I have a ban hammer and I ain't fraid to use it!


Current - 2004 Astro Cargo


Former
95 Safari (money pit - sold)
93 Astro Cargo (totaled)
85 Astro - (Bought for parts and scrapped)
92 Astro Conversion (sold)
87 Safari Shorty (sold)
User avatar

WoodButcher
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 409
Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2011 7:01 pm
Location: Woodbury, CT.
Been thanked: 16 times

Re: Swapping dutch doors for barn doors

Post by WoodButcher »

Easy mods,,,,
'93 Safari shorty, 350 swap
'05 Astro AWD, lifted, 6 liter, cammed, ported and programmed for fast.
'69 G10, straight 6, 3 onatree, jumped at me when I had a pocketful of cash looking for a spare astro. :)

Kidhauler
I sleep in my van
Posts: 877
Joined: Wed Sep 13, 2006 5:46 pm
Location: Vancouver B.C.

Re: Swapping dutch doors for barn doors

Post by Kidhauler »

You can also mod the Dutch doors to open from the inside. The plus side with the Dutch doors is that when the top is up it gives a dry area at the back plus it works well for hanging a tarp.
1999 Safari Touring edition.
trailer tow pack with a 3:73 posi
Bucket bench seats, Rear heat, Rear Airconditioning.
teal green
300 000 kms
AirRide air bags in the rear to fix soft stock suspension.
Onboard aircompressor to make it all work nice.

Topic author
planetarydefender
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:25 am

Re: Swapping dutch doors for barn doors

Post by planetarydefender »

I'm starting to see the benefit of the dutch door setup. Thanks for the input.

Kidhauler
I sleep in my van
Posts: 877
Joined: Wed Sep 13, 2006 5:46 pm
Location: Vancouver B.C.

Re: Swapping dutch doors for barn doors

Post by Kidhauler »

I always thought the Dutch doors were kind of stupid right up till I bought my 99. Now I question why they made barn doors for so long. The only bad thing with the dutch doors is you can't get a forklift to the rear of the van to load a skid of something.
1999 Safari Touring edition.
trailer tow pack with a 3:73 posi
Bucket bench seats, Rear heat, Rear Airconditioning.
teal green
300 000 kms
AirRide air bags in the rear to fix soft stock suspension.
Onboard aircompressor to make it all work nice.
Post Reply