[Wadsvorth]

Hey guys, new to the site, I was just wondering if it is possible to mod the rear hatch to open sideways instead of overhead? Also, what it would take to do it if its possible.

 

[Drake]

Anything can be done. The question is how far are you willing to go? Just off the top of my head, I would say that you would likely have to fabricate your own hinges for the hatch to open properly from the side. The striker and latch would have to be relocated to the opposite side so that it would close securely and eliminate or at least minimize the chance for leaks. By leaving the striker and latch in the stock location, there is not enough leverage/pressure to pull the weight of the hatch door tight enough against the seam at the top (especially top right corner). Relocating the latch mechanism will also require new linkage to be fabricated in order for the hatch release to function properly.

But that is just my spur of the moment brain storm. There may be others who can either verify or debunk my thoughts.

 

[Wadsvorth]

*Snip

That's what i was thinking, I was also thinking that I could use the hinges from the rear tire hanger off of something like the jeep wrangler, those hinges seem like they could handle the weight, or maybe fabricate something like that.

 

[Roadwarrior]

There was a member on here who tried it. I am not sure where it is located, you could try to search for it or someone here will know where the link is.

 

[Wadsvorth]

There was a member on here who tried it. I am not sure where it is located, you could try to search for it or someone here will know where the link is.

I've Searched pretty much everywhere, but I'll keep looking. I did notice at work today that the Nissan NV hinges could Definitely handle the weight of the rear door. I'm trying to find a totaled X for cheap to experiment with. Any suggestions?

 

[GPD605X]

Might be able to get some used hinges from a junkyard... Would def require some fab skills like welding and body work as well. Any particular reason you want the side open vs overhead? I mean, if you wanted to mount a tire on the hatch I could see why you want it but to be honest, the work it would take to do that, you could just fab up a tire carrier.

 

[Wadsvorth]

Might be able to get some used hinges from a junkyard... Would def require some fab skills like welding and body work as well. Any particular reason you want the side open vs overhead? I mean, if you wanted to mount a tire on the hatch I could see why you want it but to be honest, the work it would take to do that, you could just fab up a tire carrier.

Well, I camp pretty much every weekend in the summer and like to sit on the rear bumper, but i can't get very close to the fire with the way the hatch opens now, It ends up just getting cooked by the heat of the fire. Plus, it would be pretty much one of a kind