1983 Tailgate To Barn Door Swap?

[afking]

I am looking to swap out a tailgate for a set of barn doors on a 1983 Suburban. I have read that this is very easy and I have also read that it is a custom job requiring welding. Can anyone tell me for sure what all is involved in this task for my truck's body style?

Thanks

-afking

[sub006]

Yes it is involved. Cost of buying the parts one at a time from GM is simply unbelievable.

Best deal is to find a same-year Sub in a junkyard that's been totalled (front end). Have them cut off the entire rear end (the last foot or so). Strip components off your truck and the hulk until you have two nearly identical door frames, then remove and splice in the barn door hinges or jambs including hinges. Prime, paint and install the doors. Don't forget to change the lock cylinder to match your side doors.

If you pay a pro to do this work, most people find the cost is so prohibitive they just go buy an equivalent barn door model.

[suburbanboy]

Originally Posted by afking

I am looking to swap out a tailgate for a set of barn doors on a 1983 Suburban. I have read that this is very easy and I have also read that it is a custom job requiring welding. Can anyone tell me for sure what all is involved in this task for my truck's body style?

Thanks

-afking

I saw the original reply, but I disagree. According to Chevy, and a leading customizer of "box" chevy trucks, I won't say their name but if read any truck magazines, you know who the "hill" Im talking about. From the factory, the suburban is the same wether they used the barn doors, or the tailgate doors, you can order everything from LMC truck catolog - reproduction or factory(GM). just make sure you get the three pieces - top piece, and the sides that go around the window part. Compare a tailgate model to the doors model, you'll see what Im talking about.

[sub006]

But all those "pieces" have to be welded in all around the 15-foot circumference of the rear opening. And the taligate pieces (with side latches, courtesy light switches, restraining cable anchors, etc. have to come off.

The new barn door pieces (with hinges or hinge mounts, bottom sill latches, etc.) have to be welded in with fairly close tolerances for the doors to operate, seal, not rattle and look right.

Advertise for someone with a barn door who wishes they'd gotten a tailgate and trade!