Shouldn't be a hard endeavor. Although I always appreciate the advice of anyone trying to help, I don't share the same disapproval as some of the other people who responded. But just brainstorming I come up with a few items.
1. I don't know what type of door you want to make (slide or swing). If swing either a piano hinge or two hinges each door will work. You could use a two part epoxy to mount them to the glass.
2. With no bottom lip to the tank I would consider making a small "picture frame" front frame to hold any substrate in that you plan on using (unless you're using paper towels). It will also make the final product look nicer and may be easier to work the doors out.
3. Latching and securing the doors closed is the issue I haven't figured out this quickly in my head for you. I think the front frame I mentioned above might help with that solution. Think of a regular kitchen cabinet with either flush frame doors or raised doors.
4. Regarding the strength of the glass "side". It should be ok, but might flex a little. A 40gal tank is built to withstand, well 40gal of water, which is 8lbs per gallon (yes the side glass of a aquarium tank is designed to hold the psi of the water also.) But again it might flex so there are ways to combat that and you could go as simple using a full length small angle (cheap from homedepot). Or fully support the bottom (what was originally the side of the tank) on a shelf, piece of wood, etc and cut a piece of pvc pipe to use as a "tent pole" in the center of your enclosure to hold the top from bowing. The front picture frame will again help with this if you build it with a middle vertical mullion piece and secure it all to the front of the tank. (hard to explain in words)
There are some things to work out but I think it's very doable and for very cheap.
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