I can only guess here, but likely the side impact crash standards in effect when the vehicle was made. Or possibly a problem with the optional side impact air bags.

 

I'm looking at a CHEAP solution, like $100 for both doors so I've started the process of building wooden (don't laugh) doors out of cedar and expanded metal. If anyone has some shots of thier tube door latches it would help me out a lot. I'm thinking I should go to the auto wreaker and pull some off another vehicle with similar posts but I don't think they will mount very easily or at all

I'll post a "how to" when I'm done.

 

I guess I should trow in the fact that I don't car if it looks factory (obviously) only that it looks good.