Karl,

Chris is absolutely correct.  For reference see Laurence Meredith's Original
VW Bus which is a pretty comprehensive guide to Volkswagen Transporters
1950-1979.  As a member of NEATO and collector of pre '68 buses, I was
educated by my brethren years ago that the engine lid is the reason for the
name Barndoor although many people commonly believe that the side doors was
the reason for the name Barndoor.  Two other distinguishing features of the
Barndoor is the single pod dash (except for the deluxe models) and the
unvented brow on the split window bus where in 1956 the overhead airvent was
added.  Post '55 Buses are not known as barndoors although the vast majority
of these retained the two large side doors.

Toma

----- Original Message -----
From: "Karl Wolz" <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2002 8:36 AM
Subject: Re: the term "barndoor" bus..(was:Re: Sheryl Crow in a Bus

> Chris,
>
> That's a new one on me.  I've always heard any of the older busses with
two
> side doors referred to as barn doors, since they open just like an old set
> of barn doors.
>
> Karl
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <JordanVw@AOL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2002 8:32 AM
> Subject: the term "barndoor" bus..(was:Re: Sheryl Crow in a Bus
>
>
> > In a message dated 5/9/02 8:56:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
> > wvveedub@NETSCAPE.NET writes:
> >
> >
> > > I liked the bus, too.  Early 60's barndoor?
> > >
> > >
> >
> >  the term "barndoor"  only refers to the '50-'55 bus.  they were
nicknamed
> > "barn door buses" because the rear engine decklid was huge, going all
the
> way
> > up to the rear window, and there was no rear hatch going into the
inside.
> > chris