I woner if you could use the hinge off of a late 60s VW van engine cover. Those opened up on the back.

If it were me, I would swap out the drivetrain. Get a 78-79 bus axle and swap in a TDI diesel motor out of a mid 90s Jetta. The TDI bolts up and would give you around 30 MPG in that bus, but getting the parts in AK would be a pain. I grew up in Anchorage so I am aware that there probably aren't many Jettas in boneyards up there.

Alternatively you could drop in a diesel from another VW 80s product and install a turbo. Cheaper, easier, and there are places that sell kits.

Good luck!

The factory back hatch opens just like you want (clears drip rail and all) I'd get another set just like that. Although you'd need some assistance struts, and a good welder....

Will be a KOOL Bus, there is a Chopped Mid engine smallblock powered Bus, not far from here.
Google, 1962 Drag Style bus.

Hmm. I wonder which school?

What happend to the Radical?

I did a gullwing slider on the VW limo van, regular piano hinge from Lowe's. The good thing about the VW slider is that it's extremely light compared to other van slider doors. You would never believe that the piano hinge would hold up a steel door, but does very well. You can see in this pic that the door is being held up with only one strut, but I'd recommend using 2. The piano hinge needs to be tack welded under the rain gutter. I filled each screw hole with weld and smoothed it off afterward.

What ever happened with that van Boot?