<VV> SUV configuration

[J R Read_HML]

Sorry - did not mean to confuse with the terminology.  I'm talking about the 
tail gate (1/2 height) opening down - flat and the window opening UP.  '96 
Blazer was like that.  Could put a long load on the floor - tail gate 
combination and have the load supported by the tailgate.  '01 Blazer - glass 
will open up OR entire (BIG) tailgate - including the glass will open UP. 
Useable floor space is now 2 feet shorter (when open) than the earlier 
version and it is probably not too smart to drive around with that full tale 
gate opened UP.

I grant that there can be some inconvenience reaching in with the 1/2 height 
tailgate folded down (and that is where the women's influence on the later 
design comes into play), but if the item is not too large, it can be put in 
or out by just opening the window.

Later, JR

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "airvair" <airvair at richnet.net>
To: "J R Read_HML" <hmlinc at sbcglobal.net>
Cc: <AeroNed at aol.com>; <VirtualVairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Sunday, October 01, 2006 12:53 PM
Subject: Re: <VV> SUV configuration


> JR,
>
> Are you refering to the early '70's GM full-size wagons, where the
> window went up into the roof and the tailgate slid under the rear floor?
> That arrangement was widely refered to as the clamshell tailgate.
>
> Or are you refering to the traditional tailgate model, where the glass
> goes into the tailgate? Or maybe the traditional double-door models?
>
> None of the above types are, IMHO, the ideal way of doing things.
> Tailgates put a huge tailgate in the way of reaching in, while
> double-doors have that annoying, vision-blocking pillar in the middle of
> the rearview mirror. The clamshell design, while slick, just took up too
> much practical space. Liftgates help, but put a huge door above you,
> which is either too low for tall people or too high for short people.
> Plus the wide swing-up radius can be a detriment at times.
>
> I DO, however, like the dutch door type that the Astro (M) van
> introduced a number of years ago. Double door lower, to get rid of the
> tailgate, and a full-view window in a shortened liftgate arrangement.
> Best compromise of all the types.
>
> -Mark
>
> J R Read_HML wrote:
>>
>> Actually - I'd like to see a return to the clamshell opening at the 
>> rear -
>> for large, long, or flat, cargo.  But since they (SUVs) now get sold as
>> grocery getters, the "mom's" have won that round.
>>
>> Later, JR
>>
>
>
>
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