Date:    Thu, 30 Aug 2007 20:39:44 -0500
From:    Matt Roberds <mattroberds@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Value of sliding door

> From:    Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
> Date:    Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:01:13 +1200
>
> Having had a 5-door Hiace, it would be nice to install a driver's
> side (right) slider. This would mean that I'd need the doorframe
> structure as well. Window, lock & handles would be needed.

You could get doors on both sides of splitties as an option.  If I
understand correctly, these Buses came with extra reinforcements welded
to the frame underneath, to help make up for the lack of stiffness
caused
by two big holes in the body directly opposite one another.

                     *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Every generation Transporter,1 thru to 5 has had the option of a sliding
door on both sides.....although obviously not an option some markets saw
fit to make available.

Andrew, you'd find it a cheaper option, albeit still an expensive
proposition, to import a 5 door T3 shell from across the Tasman Sea
where, whilst they are not plentiful in the land of Oz, they are
certainly available. 
Grafting in another door to a 4 door body would be a real PITA. I helped
a fellow once graft a 4th door onto a 70s RHD Double Cab and would not
want to be involved in such folly again....:-)

Cheers,
Steve O
NSW Australia
'92 Transporter WBX Kombi
'00 Transporter Double Cab
'03 Transporter Double Cab (work truck)
'07 Passat Variant TDI
'78 Land Rover Series 3 109 soft top ute (ex-Aust.Army)