Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Half doors are hard to find

LittleGiant

LittleGiant

TJ Enthusiast
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Honolulu, HI
I’ve owned a few Jeeps in my day. The previous 2 had half doors. I siding realize how much I like them and want them now that my new TJ has full doors.

Don’t get me wrong, full doors are great, but half doors would be amazing. I keep any eye out on Craigslist and OfferUp but the ones I see are in absolute horrible condition and they still want $1K for them, no thank you.

I’ve seen some from the jeep websites but not too impressed because it’s basically a skeleton.

Anyone half any luck on half doors?
 
Found a mint condition set with original half windows on Craigslist two years ago for $700. These doors were stored in their original bags in an attic since 1998. Keep in mind I'm in So Cal so there are plenty of options
 
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LittleGiant said:
I’ve owned a few Jeeps in my day. The previous 2 had half doors. I siding realize how much I like them and want them now that my new TJ has full doors.

Don’t get me wrong, full doors are great, but half doors would be amazing. I keep any eye out on Craigslist and OfferUp but the ones I see are in absolute horrible condition and they still want $1K for them, no thank you.

I’ve seen some from the jeep websites but not too impressed because it’s basically a skeleton.

Anyone half any luck on half doors?
Click to expand...

You can use YJ half doors if you're able to find those cheaper. all you need to do is replace the tub-side jam with a YJ stopper, and cut like 1/2" off the inside handle since it's close to the dash.

I use YJ doors, the soft upper frames only need a little modification to fit, too.
 
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I searched for a few years. Prices were insane.

Bought a set that needed a lot of work and then shortly after found another set that were really clean but needed to be painted and the door cards needed to be dyed. So I have two sets of half doors.

Sold the first set. Restored the second set for more than I want to admit. Love them in warm weather. The soft uppers are a love/hate relationship and a necessary evil.
 
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When I bought my TJ I specifically looked for one with half doors since full doors are so much easier to find.

I much prefer my full doors in cold weather, but once spring comes around it's half doors all spring/summer/fall.

And hold out for real half doors.

I had tube half doors on my JK and they were "OK" at best.

I should've used the money I spent on them toward real half doors.

Good Luck in your search.

Since you're in HI, can you run half doors year round?

If so, you may be able to trade your full doors for a set.
 
Definitely Hold out for real half doors, I Personally have full doors, half doors, and a set of fabric half doors. I wouldn't ever buy the fabric set as they don't really do much besides keep things from falling out, my dad has tube doors for his gladiator and they suck, and I can't speak for options like Genright, UCF, etc.

My set of full doors has been repainted twice to match both of my jeeps and probably have close to $1200 into them between repaints, new handles, etc. I would recommend trying to find a set that's complete (Not rusty) but rough enough to be cheap and get them repainted to match, the deals are out there, I Picked my set up for $120 after 2-3 years of looking.
 
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I got a set of OEM half doors that were bedlined for $300, but that was close to 10 years ago. There are a few sets in CA. I've been looking for silver to match mine and haven't found any in 10 years. Probably end up getting mine painted eventually.
 
I searched for half doors for about two years. Prices were crazy. I finally found a set that matched my interior and exterior colors that were in pretty nice condition and paid a very high premium for them. However, when I received them, I found a bit of rust in the lower pinch seam on one of the doors. I ended up taking them to a high-end hot-rod shop that builds car bodies by hand with English wheel and planishing hammer. They cut out the rust and welded in new steel with a pinch weld, and then re-painted the doors, making them look like OEM. Like MikekiM, I have an embarrassing amount of money in my half doors, but they are nice!
 
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I still think y'all are going about it the wrong way.

Far cheaper to buy an entire Jeep with them on it and harvest the half doors. Either swap with your full and sell it or part out the Jeep.

Often it's cheaper to buy an entire vehicle than just looking for the part.

Case in point LS engines...I can usually buy a trashed Suburban esq thing for around $1000 and that gets me a complete drivetrain, harness and computer. And I usually know if it's running.

And then you can usually part out the rest and completely recoup your initial investment. Or come out ahead.

-Mac
 
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macleanflood said:
I still think y'all are going about it the wrong way.
Click to expand...
You may think that, but you'd be wrong. One thing I lack in my life is time. If I could literally buy time, I would. ;) The last thing I want to spend my precious time on is figuring out how to sell a door-less TJ for enough money to justify buying it to purchase doors. I have so much stuff that I "need to sell," but I can't find the time to get it done. I'm not going to actively pile more stuff in that corner. If that works for you and others on the forum - great. It doesn't work for me.
 
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macleanflood said:
I still think y'all are going about it the wrong way.

Far cheaper to buy an entire Jeep with them on it and harvest the half doors. Either swap with your full and sell it or part out the Jeep.

Often it's cheaper to buy an entire vehicle than just looking for the part.

Case in point LS engines...I can usually buy a trashed Suburban esq thing for around $1000 and that gets me a complete drivetrain, harness and computer. And I usually know if it's running.

And then you can usually part out the rest and completely recoup your initial investment. Or come out ahead.

-Mac
Click to expand...

In theory, that does sound like a good idea. The problem is making sure you are not going to lose money on the deal with a Jeep that needs an engine or trans swap to re-sell.

I'm going to look for a silver TJ with half doors. If I buy one, can my wife contact you directly so you can explain why this was a good idea? 😁
 
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suicideking said:
I'm going to look for a silver TJ with half doors. If I buy one, can my wife contact you directly so you can explain why this was a good idea? 😁
Click to expand...

Yup. Long as I can get it on video!

Bad engine is even better if it's priced right.

That link above...I'll bet I could get it for $1500 to $2k. Sell the half doors for $800. Either part out the rest or roll in bearings. With a "good" engine that'll sell for at least $4 to $5k. $200-$300 for full doors at a junkyard and some paint. $300 for bearings.

It's just time...

-Mac
 
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Snagging the half doors for an extra $400 from the seller was a deal-maker for my Jeep. They are hard to find for sure, and even if you get a set, they usually require some work to paint match or patch up.

Good luck searching - maybe stop other Jeep owners with half doors that you run into and ask them to buy them!
 
RangerTJ said:
When I bought my TJ I specifically looked for one with half doors since full doors are so much easier to find.

I much prefer my full doors in cold weather, but once spring comes around it's half doors all spring/summer/fall.

And hold out for real half doors.

I had tube half doors on my JK and they were "OK" at best.

I should've used the money I spent on them toward real half doors.

Good Luck in your search.

Since you're in HI, can you run half doors year round?

If so, you may be able to trade your full doors for a set.
Click to expand...

Definitely can run half doors all year. Believe it or not, this time of year it does get a bit chilly in the morning but it doesn’t last long. Just enough to put a sweatshirt on with my shorts and flip flops 🤣
 
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Did you ever consider Tube Doors?
I had a set of Currie Tube Doors and thought I needed Half Doors. Bought some half doors and I can tell you there not much difference in airflow between Full and Half.

Screenshot_20250123_101420_OfferUp.jpg
 

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