The panels are only 84" so it's another foot to the ceiling.

I suggest you hang the rod above the door frame. - you mentioned you have a foot of space to the ceiling. That way you can buy a rod with a center support. You would have to buy longer curtains and hem them.

As I said in my original post, I don't want a center support. I need to be able to move the curtain panels all to one side.

All I can recommend is to make sure the rod is a solid piece (less chance of sagging at a joint), and anchor it well. I got lots of hits when I googled: sliding door curtain rod.
Best of luck.

I have seen a diy project using a painted metal rod for this. To me it's a bad idea to move them all to one side. If they need to be fully closed often they are going to be a pain. When you stack them all to one side they will block part of the window. In order for them to look nice when closed you have to take your time giving them the pleated look(pic 2). I have curtains on rings on a slider and I would not choose them again for this reason. So much better to find treatments that function easier such as pinch pleats. I like the center draw with the tie backs better than one way draw(pic 1). Doesn't solve the problem of having to fuss with them each time you close them but would be a little easier.

Iron pipe used for plumbing in the past. But you will need some really reinforced brackets to hang them. The pipe can be painted of course.

What did you work out? I'm in a similar situation.

I used a shower curtain rod for my insulated curtains (with grommets) over the double doors to my screened porch. It was a compression rod, really sturdy and no need to punch holes anywhere. When the weather warms up I will take it down.

I have sliding panels for my patio slider. It's so much easier, efficient, and looks amazing

. I had them in my old house and when we purchased our new home I had them installed here too.

I bet that closet rod from Outwater would span 9'

Hello, I am needing to have a couple custom rod lengths with color matching grommets and finials. Any ideas of a company that sells this? So far it looks like I need to buy the grommets from one company and the rod from anther-how will this ever match? HMMM.