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Old 05-07-2014, 06:42 PM   #1
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Has anyone converted a slider to barn doors

I'm really not liking my sliding door. I recently had two awning windows installed on the passenger side. One on the slider and one behind it on the body. I didn't think it thru... when the back awning is open, the slider hits it, which could be tragic and inevitable. Also... Sportsmobile cut out all the support around the window area of the slider which has made the window bounce in and out violently when I close the door and slightly when i'm going down the road due to the wind. Besides all that the track is always full of sand, and last weekend I slammed my finger in it! Has anyone made the switch? How hard was it? Any advise would be helpful.

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Old 05-07-2014, 09:48 PM   #2
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Re: Has anyone converted a slider to barn doors

Chimneyman has done it. Pics in his build thread. Sorry I do t remember the name of the thread.
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Old 05-08-2014, 02:05 AM   #3
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Re: Has anyone converted a slider to barn doors

here
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=13554

or his thread on expo
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... 0-RV-build
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Old 05-08-2014, 01:32 PM   #4
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Re: Has anyone converted a slider to barn doors

As you can see in chimneyman's photos, it is a significant project with plenty of body work required. Far beyond my abilities, and beyond my checkbook to pay a bodyshop to do it.

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Old 05-08-2014, 06:51 PM   #5
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Re: Has anyone converted a slider to barn doors

I agree...far beyond my skill set and checkbook. I didn't realize it required replacing the door jam. I guess I will have to get used to it, I definantly won't be slamming by finger again. I have an idea of making a door stop to keep it from hitting the awning window when it is open. As far as stabilizing the window in the slider I would appreciate some ideas. The problem is that they cut out the intire support area for the window.
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Old 05-09-2014, 07:44 AM   #6
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Re: Has anyone converted a slider to barn doors

I have a van that we are stripping at my shop if you need all the parts or we can do it for you..shop is in Chicago.
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Old 05-09-2014, 05:18 PM   #7
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Re: Has anyone converted a slider to barn doors

Thanks Bill, but i've decided to get used to the slider.
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Old 05-09-2014, 05:30 PM   #8
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Re: Has anyone converted a slider to barn doors

Quote:
Originally Posted by jhpsurfboards
Thanks Bill, but i've decided to get used to the slider.
I have no idea what else has been done to your van, but if you are just starting I would almost swap vans to get rid of a slider. I've used them for years on work (delivery) vans and they are fine for that, getting opened and closed by an adult when noise is not a concern, but in a camper I wouldn't have one. That's probably the one thing I don't like about Sprinters. They are loud and kids can't open and close them easily.

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Old 05-09-2014, 05:42 PM   #9
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Re: Has anyone converted a slider to barn doors

I am just starting, but I'm already in love with my van(and I don't have kids). She's already gotten me and my friends out of some tough spots, wouldn't trade her for the world. The ultimate surfmobile!! Thanks for the advise.
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Old 05-09-2014, 07:19 PM   #10
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Re: Has anyone converted a slider to barn doors

Have had a number of VW Westys with the sliding door. One day, while surfing, I saw a guy who installed a slight piece of rubber at a angle to ward off any sand blowing into the track. Cannot recall much more than the said he never had to use his dust pan and brush every time at the beach.

Just takes a little creativity to solve. it. GoWesty.com that specializes in VW's sometimes have some great products on the web site. perhaps a call to them might be helpful as they are located 1 block from the beach.
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