Hinged Side For a Box Truck That Converts into a Canopy

[RealMoparDan]

I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction. People on this site seem pretty knowledgeable regarding fablicating and sourcing parts for truck&RV projects. I joined this site speciifically for help with my planned project and hope someone can help. I want to convert the side of my Dodge Sprinter Box truck into a canopy that pivots out and locks in place so that I can use the side to vend auto parts out of muck like a concession truck would do. We have extensive fabrication skills but no idea where to buy the parts (moldings, pivots, retractable support posts, etc. Also I'd welcome input from anyone that has a similar truck or has done this conversion previously.

 

[volvoman]

two ways i can think of doing it. either way you do it you would have to frame openning. 1st way built a door like they put on storage tool boxs. have it swing down and latch on bottom with a locked handle. other way would be to put a rollup door in side. make a hinged fold down awning to cover door. i think you would have to fabricate everthing. check with local fabricator shop or truck body shop for other ideas.

 

[RealMoparDan]

My plan at this time is to buy Thick Guage aluminum c channel of the same width as the cut wall and frame the opening with it. At the top We'll fab. a structual frame member to accommodate a sealed Bearing (probably an axle bearing) on each side to receive a pipe that will be threated though the fabricated door unit which will alco be framed with the same c channel. I'll then glue (use metal to metal panel adhesive) to attach a flat piece of 1/4 inch aluminum across the backside of the cut wall, accross the back edge of the c channel and extending it 2 inches past the edge of the wall(then screwing it on as well)- this will become the seat for the door when it is closed. The door will of course receive stiffeners depending on what the cut panel is composed of

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

Did you go to the photos section, then type in a search word "stealth" and you'll see pictures of RanD's truck. His had swing open sides. There are some pictures showing how that was done kind of. I'm sure if you needed some closer up ones or had any questions he'd be able to help you. I'm surprised he hasn't posted here yet. Maybe he's gotten his road worthy and is off hiding somewhere?

 

[Ran D. St. Clair]

Bob,

I'm not hiding... Yes my truck has swing out (up) side doors that I turned into awnings. In my case it was just a matter of reconfiguring the gas struts so they didn't open past horizontal. I ended up using a telescoping tube with a pin lock arrangement on one side and the gas strut on the other. I also closed in the wall behind the doors, so they are no longer doors, just awnings.

Yes, keyword stealth will get you the pictures. There are only a few of the awnings though. It does show a close up of the screw latches I made. I don't think there is a closeup of the gas strut or the locking telescoping strut. I could add one if it helps.

I think RealMoparDan's case is more complex. He has to make th doors from scratch. In my case, they were already there.

One thing I would consider. The folks inside the truck, even if sitting down, are quite high with respect to the folks standing on the ground outside the truck. It might make for an awkward customer interface. Not impossible, but a little odd.