This is exactly what i want to do if I chop mine. Basically the same process as a non-chopped split hatch I would imagine. Which I sometimes wish my XJ had.

 

get an izuzu rodeo rear door/hatch from the junk yard and mod it to fit. maybe?

 

The main reason i am planning based around the original hatch is i want a perfectly fitted, tight sealed, clean fabrication. Why force something to fit when you have something that already does?

 

Saw this thread the other day and instantly thought of a thread I'd seen on pirate like a year ago- stumbled on that thread again and it should be some help awesome project all around but the split liftgate is on the first page.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=557715

 

this is amazing... i want this guy to be my neighbor haha

 

i dont know if this is what youre looking to do but what if you made a tire holder that folded out like a normal one and also have it hinged to the bumper and folded down like a tailgate and you could just put expanded metal on it and it would act as a tailgate and you could keep the hatch. thats what i was thinking about doing to mine

 

It would have to be real sturdy though because you've got a tires weight too

 

I have always wanted to try something like this too.

 

ya, i was thinking making it like a regular tire holder with the thick metal as the holder and expanded metal on the other side so the tire wouldnt be connected to the expanded metal.

edit. ya sorry ur prolly talking about the fold down hinges i didnt give it much thought yet.