Replies

1. 
   BillMcG | Apr 30, 2004 05:16am | #1

   I haven't seen the split-swing side doors, but when they're on the back of the van people often put shelving on the inside of the door. Who ever has enough space?

   With the sliding door you couldn't do that but you'd get more interior room. It would also tend to flap in the wind less, I'd think.

2. 
   MSA1 | Apr 30, 2004 05:28am | #2

   I have a 2001 Chevy van with the hinged doors. They are quite possibly the worst thing GM has ever designed.  When I first got the van (used in 2002) I noticed that the side door hinge was pulling off the door. Its turns out that if you dont stop...oh about ever ten miles or so to oil the hinges they bind and jam and pull out of the too thin door metal. As a side note I like to use the vent windows in the back doors. The window on the latch door actually "ripped" out if the door (too thin metal again). I had to take the whole door apart and back up the door metal with washers to strengthen the door. I called GM the next day and they basically said "gee thats too bad".

   Long story short BUY A FORD    

1. 
   Sphere | Apr 30, 2004 02:45pm | #5

   Got a GMC ...get a slider. bad enough the back doors blow in the wind , don't need the side flappin too..

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   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

3. 
   calvin | Apr 30, 2004 05:44am | #3

   I've had both. 

   My first two vans, slider.  Latest chevy, the "better oil the hinge" split swinging doors.  They don't blow in the wind, but unloading tools in parking lots is not as convenient.  The closing mechanism is simpler than the slider.  Don't need to beat someone loading up your van before they slam that slider closed, denting the panel.

   Make sure you deactivate the child lock (or make sure to keep it unlocked) or you could inadvertantly lock yourself in, if no access to front compartment.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

4. 
   butch | Apr 30, 2004 01:18pm | #4

   I've had it both ways and hands down the slider is the only way to go,

   as Andy would say, be a slider.

5. 
   JeffBuck | May 01, 2004 12:52am | #6

   I've also had both ...

   and for me ....

   it's split hinged all the way.

   Hated that big old slider ....

   can't really say why?  ...just always seemed to be a struggle ....

   Mine's a '93 ... maybe I got the last coupla good hinges?

   Jeff

   Buck Construction, llc   Pittsburgh,PA

        Artistry in Carpentry                

1. 
   GregWerner | May 01, 2004 04:27am | #7

   My vote's for hinge. Never liked the sliders. Have little shelves on every door in the back of my van.Greg

   Werner Building &  Remodeling

   Huntingdon PA

    

1. 
   Junkman001 | May 01, 2004 06:19am | #8

   Gmc stepvan w/ 18' cargo area.   Nuff room for everything including restroom facilities:)

6. 
   steve | May 01, 2004 05:01pm | #9

   slider for sure, both my 88 and 89 gmc s have sliders and both work great especially considering their ages and mileages

   sliders dont blow closed on windy days and require less space beside the van to open

   caulking is not a piece of trim