The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Changing from clamshell to panel rear doors

I have decide to remove my clamshell doors and replace them with the panel rear doors. I want to know if anyone else did this. I'm sure someone has. I would like to know the following:
1. I have to drill the hinge bolt holes. Do I tap the hole to accept the bolts or did GM use blind nuts?
2. I have to do a little metal repair on the bottom of one door. Any tips on anything already available or do I have to improvise and and make the repair patches myself?

Did this modification to my 53 GMC in 1973. It is an easy modificatin. Template the hinge holes and drill. The hinges have the tapped holes. You will need a set of barn door checks designed for the suburban. You will also need the catches that mount to the header and sill. You will have to remove the cable guide mounts and other hardware, save all of these hard to find parts.

Post some pictures of what needs to be repaired on your door, there are a few custom patches available......g

Wow, I am sort of new around here, but I mostly hear of switching "barn-to-clam" for styling reasons.
Why are you switching?

Hey Gmoniz,
Thanks for that info. That make it a lot simpler. I can round up the door checks and catches. What is the best way to post pics?

A friend of mine had the clamshell set-up. I drove his truck a few times. The truck was great except for the leaning over the lower gate to get things out of the back. I have back issues and sometimes twisting and pulling something will trigger my sciatica. The panel doors allow me to avoid awkward angles. I like the clamshell style a lot, but, it isn't practical for me. I have a 51 with the clamshell now but had a 53 with panel doors years ago and really liked that set-up.

If you are not going original, check the archives for modified versions/combinations. We have posted several different styles that others have installed Including upper hatch with lower barn doors, welded clamshell lift gates and upper lift gate with hinged lower gate that is hinged from the left side.

Posting pictures

Tony,

Look above the first post - click on "My Stuff". The first item is "Messages". Click on that.

I'll delete this message and your last message later tonight.

Hi GMONIZ,
What is the difference between suburban barn door and panel barn door checks? I don't remember what mine looked like on my old burb. I thought they were the same until I read your checklist. Maybe when you have a chance you could direct me to a picture or send me a pic of yours when you get to your parts.
Tony

The panel and suburban rear doors are the same.

The stop-bars at the top of the doors are different.

Sometime between 47-55, there was a change in the way the tail/stop lamp wire goes from the body to the door (and there was a slight change in the post on the door handle).

Maybe someone knows which rear doors (years/model) came with the stainless trim around the rear windows?

Thanks for the info. I do have one extra contact switch for the rear doors if that is what was used?

can't remember the change date on the left door contact switch, but I think it was changed on the 51's. I think 1953 was the year for the deluxe window trim. I will do some research when I get back from holiday...g

can't remember the change date on the left door contact switch, but I think it was changed on the 51's. I think 1953 was the year for the deluxe window trim. I will do some research when I get back from holiday...g

correct suburban barn door stop


previous post

The Master Parts Book shows 37-51 ( Switch, Tail Lamp - Panels, Subs w/Doors )

Thanks for that link!