making half doors from stock doors

[Andy97XLT]

I searched but didn't come up with a whole lot.

Has anyone fabbed half doors using stock doors?
I've got a '97 4door and want to make a set of simple, no frills half doors. I think i might go by a local junk yard and pick up a pair of junk '95+ junk doors and start cutting. I plan on cutting off the window frame and most of the upper door..i think i can retain the stock mirrors.. I'm not sure what to do for the latch.. I can either try and retain either the inside or outside latch but both are positioned pretty high on the door and I'd like to cut them off. I was thinking some kinda flip hook gismo that would just latch onto the ring coming off the body...any suggestions or pictures are appreciated

 

[VBVA]

I saw a thing once on how a guy did it on his Toyota Pickup. You might be able to fab up your own doors by modifying his plans a little bit. I think I remember seeing it on off-road.com in the Toyota section. You might have to do an archive search though, its been a while since I read his article. Good luck.

 

[RangerX]

A few people on this board have talked about making some in the past, but for whatever reason, no one has actually tried. I say just go for it, and however they come out, I'll be impressed.

 

[Trckmagik]

I have been looking to do this for quite some time now. I really wanted it done for Moab this year but it just hasnt happed. My problems is also the door handle.

 

[Trckmagik]

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/halfdoor/

 

[zensius]

You know, I think half doors would be cool too. At least in theory. The problem I have is how messed up the inside of your X will get. I've never off-roaded in a jeep but I have in a full-sized Bronco without the top and I can't tell you how dirty everything got. All the gear and the interior. My buddies' stereo Cd even took a crap. Also it doesn't make getting in and out any easier. It would make it easier to lean out and do some of you own spotting. Basically I'm torn. But if I was going to do it I'd cut above the line the armrest/window control module makes on a '92. For the latch, it's a standard bear claw style. If you left the actual latch on the door you could hook up a cable or rod for exterior opening and use the factory handle on the inside. This would also leave the outside mirror. Good luck.

 

[addkev]

Look in this month's Peterson's off road. There is an article about bolt in tube framing to replace the doors. Just for the reason of being able to see the trail. I will go home at lunch and get the mag.

 

[akcrogers]

This combined with cutting the rear roof and door off would make a sweet ride... here is my photoshop mockup (this is using Paul Gagnon's truck):

You could then add a rollbar and a bikini top. Make a sweet touring truck. Maybe do the front like a t-top with removable glass panels. Be a lot of work, but pretty unique.

 

[Andy97XLT]

thanks for the info guys. I was thinking of just taking some tube or pipe, bending the sections into V or U looking shapes and just using those. The open ends would attach to the body and the pointed or rounded end would contain the latch. I think that route would be all around less complicated .
I too have an '81 Toy pickup, she's my trail truck. I might try and make her some half doors this weekend.