Barn Doors VS Drop Down Tailgate

[msapers]

Hi All,

I'll be starting a thread on my 72 build sometime next week. Quick question. I have the original barn doors as well as a drop down tailgate with hinges, latches and chains. Which would you run and why? Originality isn't super important to me as far as this goes. All the parts are in good shape. I do plan to run the hard top when the weather dictates. Many thanks!

Scott

 

[brian]

Tailgate...because they are awesome.

 

[Mike Shull]

I love the look and access of the barn doors but I got tired of keeping multiple doors for when I wanted to use my top. The tailgate gives you something nice to sit on but it makes it harder to get in the back. Despite this minor detail, I plan to build a lift gate from the top half of my barn doors to work with my Aqualu tailgate. I’m hoping to retain the modern look while creating a nice place to hang out in the rain or sun.

 

[Mike Shull]

Tailgate...because they are awesome.

View attachment 3639753

View attachment 3639754

View attachment 3639755

Like Brian said, tailgates are cool, especially when they have storage built in.

 

[JohnnyC]

For many years I wanted the tailgate… until I had kids… this is the most practical for kids

 

[cstav86]

Tailgate. They are rare and very useful for an afternoon trail snack.

 

[charliemeyer007]

My 72 came with a 76 hardtop - love the ambulance doors. Will love them more when I switch the tire carrier to the drivers side. Where I to remove the hardtop I'd go for a tailgate.

 

[Paul_A]

I have the drop gate on my soft top '75, original to the soft top model, and it's way more practical. And an early model hard top with the lift gate fits, no problem. It's good for sittin' and sippin'.

 

[Sky King]

Once I got mine set up and lined up I like my barn doors. I run my FJ40 with the top off most of the time so there is plenty of access regardless. I think tailgates are cool but years of owning pickup trucks with tailgates make them feel to common place where the barn doors are more unique. Just my taste on the matter I see no right or wrong.

 

[msapers]

That car seat is great! I grew up smashing the back of my head into the rollbar of my dad's FJ40. That's probably the reason that I am the way that I am.

 

[Rufino]

Tailgate....i'm about to change my softtop for a hardtop with the rear tailgate...i think it looks better in my opinion and more practical!

 

[cruiserkev]

Tailgate. They are much more comfortable to sit on than a barn door! Perfect little table for a trail lunch too among many more uses. I built my own but if you have OEM, use it.

 

[Adarcy]

Tailgate!

 

[Scott11cruiser]

I'm going to have to agree with the tail gate.

 

[Living in the Past]

Ambulance doors and barn doors both came with step to help passengers get in and out. Both of these also make it easier to load items further in towards the back of the front seats. With the top off the barn door opposite the spare tire carrier can be opened with spare still closed in stock form. Custom tire carriers and over size tires may change that. That said I bought a OEM tailgate for my 68 FHT. Before I installed it I purchased FST model. At one time I had five FST models. When this was a cheap hobby it was easy to afford all three models.

 

[JohnnyC]

All this tailgate talk makes me want one just so I can find a con-ferr rear extension for the cruiser so I can get my extra 7 cubic feet of space

 

[Sky King]

OK, so the juries out on this one, them's that got'em like'm and them's that don't, don't.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I support folks "making it yours".

 

[franklin40]

my 2 cents is it depends on how you use the back. if you have people kids climbing up in there ambulance doors are easier to access. if it’s a rear storage/camping equipment thing that you need to access gear without climbing inside then tail gate is cool. if you have soft top or top off tail gate. hard top i like how easy it is to access with a door without opening the tire carrier etc. so many variables on how it will be used so you gotta make what works for you. just because it’s cool doesn’t make it functional and it will become less cool the more you use it.

 

[thatcabledude]

Anything but this