Pro's & Con's on rear doors... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Belman · 04-20-2006, 11:55 AM

Hello,
I am in the process of searching for a '67-'72 Suburban to restore into a daily driver. I would like your opinions regarding the pro's & con's of having rear doors versus tailgate.

Thanks

Dwn2rth76 · 04-20-2006, 02:55 PM

Heya Belman, As far as tailgate VS Barn doors it is just a matter of preferance. I dont believe there are any pros or cons, again just preferance. good luck with your new project search.

70rs/ss · 04-20-2006, 03:09 PM

Doors swing out of the way and the hatch has a tailgate to sit on, which do you want? I like em both.

crews · 04-20-2006, 03:15 PM

The only "con" I see with the barn doors is the blind spot with the door posts in the middle of your rear view mirror.

Frizzle Fry · 04-20-2006, 03:51 PM

...and the solid window looks cleaner IMO

But there are a lot of barn door fans out there too.

72freak · 04-20-2006, 05:52 PM

I currently have a Blazer with the tailgate and 3 Suburbans with the barn doors.

Tailgate does look cleaner however I prefer the barn doors.

If you haul cargo....barn doors make it is easier to get to without bending over a tailgate.

You do however have to watch the swing out barn doors in parking lots and next to other vehicles. They will hit them.

I have had many of both.

Belman · 04-21-2006, 12:36 AM

Thank you all. I had hoped it would be just a preference thing. I have had trucks and older toyota 4runners for years. I have always been bugged by having to lean over the tailgates just to get to my load. I really had hoped & planned on a barn door suburban, but was afraid they may have problems with latches, noise or something. That is why I wanted the professionals of this forum to tell me. Again thank you.

local13hutch · 04-22-2006, 05:30 AM

I have one of each,when I tow my toy hauler my barn doors come in handy,I can open up one door and gain access with out any problem, but if Im not parked straight one of the doors will hit my propane tanks. If I tow with my clam door sub,then I've got to reach over the tail gate as long as Im hooked up. But the tail gate comes in real handy for a seat or when your changin gear or clothes I've got six kids so personally I prefer the clam set up.

MrBinAz · 04-22-2006, 07:39 PM

I like the look of barn doors....... but an added benefit of the clam shell would be leaving the top part open for flow through ventilation.

Frizzle Fry · 04-23-2006, 01:06 AM

Someone should build split lowers and a solid upper door like the Excursions and some vans have. Best of both worlds.

local13hutch · 04-23-2006, 01:38 AM

The problem with leaving the top clam open while driving is it creates a low pressue area sucks exhaust fumes.

MrBinAz · 04-23-2006, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by local13hutch

The problem with leaving the top clam open while driving is it creates a low pressue area sucks exhaust fumes.

Would that still occur if the front windows were down?

hotrodhomi · 04-23-2006, 05:03 PM

I like tailgates, its too hard to sit on a barndoor.

Frizzle Fry · 04-23-2006, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by local13hutch

The problem with leaving the top clam open while driving is it creates a low pressue area sucks exhaust fumes.

Not when the exhaust exits before the rear tires

I drive with it open a bit in the summer.

4x4Poet · 04-24-2006, 04:51 AM

I own both. I think the barn doors are a little more prone to leak when the gaskets have aged 30 years.

**special-K** · 04-24-2006, 07:19 AM

Assuming you haul...
Clamshell:You can drive with them open for a long load likea pickup.
Doors:Whatever you haul must fit the length of the vehicle.
Passengers can let themselves out.

Ackattack · 05-17-2006, 02:27 PM

I'm thinking of doing a suburban when I have kids...anyways I want a clamshell 'burb. Right now I have a 97 Tahoe with the barndoors, and the blindspot annoys the crap out of me.

olblue60@aol.com · 05-17-2006, 03:11 PM

The hatches on the tailgate models can be a little heavy to open as far as ladies may be concerned.

Frizzle Fry · 05-17-2006, 05:13 PM

Yes they are a bit heavy. I wouldn't want my mom trying to operate it. Shouldn't be hard to find some gas-struts that'll work. I bet someone on here has done it.

4x4Poet · 05-18-2006, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

Yes they are a bit heavy. I wouldn't want my mom trying to operate it. Shouldn't be hard to find some gas-struts that'll work. I bet someone on here has done it.

I hope so. We ain't gettin' any younger...

local13hutch · 05-18-2006, 02:46 AM

frizzle fry...Thats a damn good idea, gas struts.my hatch is so heavy that im afraid sometimes that the stock support arms might fail when somebody is to close.The hatch probably weighs about 40 lb's....

Frizzle Fry · 05-18-2006, 03:31 PM

I was thinking about this more today and I thought, if I'm going to put gas struts in I might as well make the whole hatch one piece like newer Tahoes/Burbs. I've thought about it before but never gave it any serious thought. So I looked at what it would take and saw that the stock tail latches would work. The support-arm brackets on the lift gate could be flipped around to provide a little more mechanical advantage to the gas struts. Sure would be nice to have the tailgate out of the way when loading/unloading, but keep the nice single window. And, It could be done without any permanent mods to the body so it could be reversed (with a new lift/tail). Hmmmmm......

stllookn · 05-18-2006, 06:12 PM

Frizzle...sounds like a great idea...and having seen some of your work...you can handle it. How is the recovery of the Blackberry truck...or did you just forget about it...LOL! Belman...sorry to jack your thread!

Frizzle Fry · 05-19-2006, 01:35 PM

It's not quite ripe yet...

That one will have to wait for someone else. I don't know the new land owners or thier contact info.

indyrenegade4x4 · 05-20-2006, 10:32 AM

Frizzle fry im wanting to do the split lower like the excursions. I dont think I have seen any with that set up.

04-20-2006, 11:55 AM	#1
Belman Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: O'side, CA Posts: 5	Pro's & Con's on rear doors... Hello, I am in the process of searching for a '67-'72 Suburban to restore into a daily driver. I would like your opinions regarding the pro's & con's of having rear doors versus tailgate. Thanks

04-20-2006, 02:55 PM	#2
Dwn2rth76 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 22	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... Heya Belman, As far as tailgate VS Barn doors it is just a matter of preferance. I dont believe there are any pros or cons, again just preferance. good luck with your new project search.

04-20-2006, 03:09 PM	#3
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... Doors swing out of the way and the hatch has a tailgate to sit on, which do you want? I like em both.

04-20-2006, 03:15 PM	#4
crews It just doesn't matter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Huntington Beach, Ca Posts: 1,660	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... The only "con" I see with the barn doors is the blind spot with the door posts in the middle of your rear view mirror. __________________ 05 Chevy Silverado..... A rogue BMW guy.... If you don't like me- TAKE A NUMBER; There are people ahead of you!!

04-20-2006, 03:51 PM	#5
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... ...and the solid window looks cleaner IMO But there are a lot of barn door fans out there too.

04-20-2006, 05:52 PM	#6
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... I currently have a Blazer with the tailgate and 3 Suburbans with the barn doors. Tailgate does look cleaner however I prefer the barn doors. If you haul cargo....barn doors make it is easier to get to without bending over a tailgate. You do however have to watch the swing out barn doors in parking lots and next to other vehicles. They will hit them. I have had many of both.

04-21-2006, 12:36 AM	#7
Belman Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: O'side, CA Posts: 5	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... Thank you all. I had hoped it would be just a preference thing. I have had trucks and older toyota 4runners for years. I have always been bugged by having to lean over the tailgates just to get to my load. I really had hoped & planned on a barn door suburban, but was afraid they may have problems with latches, noise or something. That is why I wanted the professionals of this forum to tell me. Again thank you.

04-22-2006, 05:30 AM	#8
local13hutch MEMBER Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: garden grove, ca Posts: 185	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... I have one of each,when I tow my toy hauler my barn doors come in handy,I can open up one door and gain access with out any problem, but if Im not parked straight one of the doors will hit my propane tanks. If I tow with my clam door sub,then I've got to reach over the tail gate as long as Im hooked up. But the tail gate comes in real handy for a seat or when your changin gear or clothes I've got six kids so personally I prefer the clam set up. __________________ 86 sub 4wd, 1 ton, duallie, big block th475 72 c10 short fleet, pro street 72 K/5 blazer,2x4 almost stock 72 3/4 ton sub 4x4 61 morris minor pickup, chevy 4.3 v6 03 escalade, 24" momo's wifes 96 2wd 2door tahoe 67 2wd suburban 72 4wd k5 99 vortec 14bolt/d60 205/th400- 72 4wd crewcab 1 ton sb cummins allison -2012 2ss camaro black hard top- 8 yamaha quads- 05 4wd one ton duramax dually, family limo.

04-22-2006, 07:39 PM	#9
MrBinAz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Where the hell is Bullhead City, Az? (USA) Posts: 55	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... I like the look of barn doors....... but an added benefit of the clam shell would be leaving the top part open for flow through ventilation. __________________ -----the fleet----- '72 K20 Chevy Suburban '72 Datsun 510 (vintage racer) '89 Honda Civic Si HB '89 Honda Civic Dx HB '08 Honda Element EX-P '78 Honda Express (50cc. pit-ped) pix here

04-23-2006, 01:06 AM	#10
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... Someone should build split lowers and a solid upper door like the Excursions and some vans have. Best of both worlds.

04-23-2006, 01:38 AM	#11
local13hutch MEMBER Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: garden grove, ca Posts: 185	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... The problem with leaving the top clam open while driving is it creates a low pressue area sucks exhaust fumes. __________________ 86 sub 4wd, 1 ton, duallie, big block th475 72 c10 short fleet, pro street 72 K/5 blazer,2x4 almost stock 72 3/4 ton sub 4x4 61 morris minor pickup, chevy 4.3 v6 03 escalade, 24" momo's wifes 96 2wd 2door tahoe 67 2wd suburban 72 4wd k5 99 vortec 14bolt/d60 205/th400- 72 4wd crewcab 1 ton sb cummins allison -2012 2ss camaro black hard top- 8 yamaha quads- 05 4wd one ton duramax dually, family limo.

04-23-2006, 05:03 PM	#13
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... I like tailgates, its too hard to sit on a barndoor. __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

04-24-2006, 04:51 AM	#15
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... I own both. I think the barn doors are a little more prone to leak when the gaskets have aged 30 years. __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.

04-24-2006, 07:19 AM	#16
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... Assuming you haul... Clamshell:You can drive with them open for a long load likea pickup. Doors:Whatever you haul must fit the length of the vehicle. Passengers can let themselves out. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-17-2006, 02:27 PM	#17
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... I'm thinking of doing a suburban when I have kids...anyways I want a clamshell 'burb. Right now I have a 97 Tahoe with the barndoors, and the blindspot annoys the crap out of me. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index



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05-17-2006, 03:11 PM	#18
olblue60@aol.com member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Silver Spring Md.20901 Posts: 2,031	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... The hatches on the tailgate models can be a little heavy to open as far as ladies may be concerned. __________________ 1967 C/K10 Chevy Panel 1968 C/K20 Chevy Pickup 1968 C/K10 Chevy Suburban 1941 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1972 Camaro SS 396 #s matching 1971 Harley FX Superglide

05-17-2006, 05:13 PM	#19
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... Yes they are a bit heavy. I wouldn't want my mom trying to operate it. Shouldn't be hard to find some gas-struts that'll work. I bet someone on here has done it.

05-18-2006, 02:46 AM	#21
local13hutch MEMBER Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: garden grove, ca Posts: 185	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... frizzle fry...Thats a damn good idea, gas struts.my hatch is so heavy that im afraid sometimes that the stock support arms might fail when somebody is to close.The hatch probably weighs about 40 lb's.... __________________ 86 sub 4wd, 1 ton, duallie, big block th475 72 c10 short fleet, pro street 72 K/5 blazer,2x4 almost stock 72 3/4 ton sub 4x4 61 morris minor pickup, chevy 4.3 v6 03 escalade, 24" momo's wifes 96 2wd 2door tahoe 67 2wd suburban 72 4wd k5 99 vortec 14bolt/d60 205/th400- 72 4wd crewcab 1 ton sb cummins allison -2012 2ss camaro black hard top- 8 yamaha quads- 05 4wd one ton duramax dually, family limo.

05-18-2006, 03:31 PM	#22
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... I was thinking about this more today and I thought, if I'm going to put gas struts in I might as well make the whole hatch one piece like newer Tahoes/Burbs. I've thought about it before but never gave it any serious thought. So I looked at what it would take and saw that the stock tail latches would work. The support-arm brackets on the lift gate could be flipped around to provide a little more mechanical advantage to the gas struts. Sure would be nice to have the tailgate out of the way when loading/unloading, but keep the nice single window. And, It could be done without any permanent mods to the body so it could be reversed (with a new lift/tail). Hmmmmm......

05-18-2006, 06:12 PM	#23
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... Frizzle...sounds like a great idea...and having seen some of your work...you can handle it. How is the recovery of the Blackberry truck...or did you just forget about it...LOL! Belman...sorry to jack your thread! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary) Last edited by stllookn; 05-18-2006 at 06:14 PM.

05-19-2006, 01:35 PM	#24
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... It's not quite ripe yet... That one will have to wait for someone else. I don't know the new land owners or thier contact info.

05-20-2006, 10:32 AM	#25
indyrenegade4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: sharpsville, indiana Posts: 122	Re: Pro's & Con's on rear doors... Frizzle fry im wanting to do the split lower like the excursions. I dont think I have seen any with that set up.

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