doors holder opener

[southpier]

my idea is to stabilize the side and rear doors (anyvan) at 90 degrees by tying them together with a rigid piece across the top at the closing corner ( lead edge/ not the side where the door hinges). i'm considering tubing (pvc / emt?) or a wood spar, but want the attachment points to the door to be stable and easy peasy to use.

the intent is to have the doors act as a vestibule and be able to support (even if only fabric) a sunshade or rain awning - depending on the weather.

anyone already have done this so i'm not trying to reinvent the wheel?

thanks

 

[GlennA]

The rear doors on my van are limited to 90 degree opening. If your doors are also, a spring loaded shower rod would keep the doors spread open. Hang a curtain on it, and you have a dressing area.

 

[cowboy4x4]

The ford vans can open more than 90* the limiting bar can be lifted off the pin that holds it. (back doors)

 

[southpier]

i'd like the doors to be somewhat stable in the 90 degree position. just don't want to depend on spring tension alone as I thing winds would flip it out soon enough.

 

[mgmetalworks]

Saw these and thought of your door prop idea (not my picture. I just found this in google images). Quick disconnect ball/socket ends (typically used for hood or trunk gas struts). This might work for your attachment points if you can find a good spot to attach the ball studs. If it were me, I'd use rivet nuts (aka nutserts) for threading the studs into the door. It wouldn't take a very big piece of tubing to be rigid enough to do what you're wanting it to do.