Well, I'm not sure that my doors are any stronger, but they are certainly not any weaker.
I have thought about some extra framing/caging. but haven't seen a need.
My other plan was just as you mentioned. top half lift gate. Easy to do hinges stay and all. and a split lower door. Probably would have been easier.

This trip was brutal, our JK ripped the side step clean off, pinch weld tore out. Both of my XJ sliders are bent up. That V8 WJ in the photo pulled me out of a deep trail. Those things have some torque.

All said and done the rear doors still open and close just fine.

 

off topic ..but what make is the roof rack?

 

I wanted to do the same thing!! Or maybe like the Honda Element tailgate with the bottom half like a trunk tailgate and the top like a normal tailgate. It would be good for cargo carrying and camping because then you lye down in the back you will have more foot room and the top half will protect your feet from getting wet if it rains

 

Olympic top hat I believe. Works great too. I've slid it across several trees.
Kind of like side rails but for the top of the jeep. Plus its nice and short.

 

great work. Seems like stiffeners would be a must

Ahah! covered that part. nice work sir

 

Really nice work.

Between the planning and execution, looks like a "phantom" factory model.

One of the best of the rare Jeeps.

 

Thanks, Even though it wasn't the best hinge design, my plan was to make it look stock.

 

Minor thread-necro...
I just happened upon this post and noticed that the dropbox for the pics is empty. Do they exist anywhere else right now?
Also, great idea mccawley. Lots of idea bashing here but I think in addition to the reasons listed there are even more advantages to the swing doors (can't open the hatch well with stuff hanging off the back of the roof for example) and MOST of what the folks do on this forum to their Cherokees serves no more factory intended purpose than this mod did, and plenty of the projects shorten the life of the rigs or require frequent repair, so if the doors are somehow better for you I say good job, even if there is sooner need for a repair.

 

Just found this one myself. My very favorite way to get into such a vehicle is a tailgate that has a window that goes down into it like back in the olden days. My least favorite is a liftgate. These double doors you made look great.. especially with the split rear window. Awesome work.

 

Send me a private message with an email and I'll send you the photos I have.

 

Looks very nice, But I always thought a 'Suicide Door' style would be best for Cherokee rear doors -- more room to climb in!

For the rear hatch - I alway liked the earlier Cherokee/ Wagoneers with the Tailgate and roll-down window (Electric preferred) - ...but I do like being able to stand under the hatch when it's raining.
Maybe a split top / bottom tailgate with a rain lid? ...IDK

I'm amazed at the job you did with fiberglass hatch-doors and , it seems like the best option for a rear mounted spare tire - and you could build in an inside-the-door lock-pin. Looks great.

 

I would love to see a pic of how it's hinged.

 

How does the latch work? I see a pushbutton release on the right side- does that release the left side too?

In any case, Bravo Sir.

 

Yes the handle opens the door on the right. There is an internal handle on the back of the left door inside that opens the left door.

 

DropBox https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7ifrxifd2...t4x8sSLQa?dl=0
Passenger side door is a standard latch assembly.
The driver side door is the latching assembly from a Suburban I found in the yard.