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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: Mr_Orange on 20 February 2015, 14:22

Title: Tailgate replacement
Post by: Mr_Orange on 20 February 2015, 14:22

The tailgate latch started to go rotten on the golf and I left it a bit too long to fix...  :undecided:  result is the tailgate paint has blown around the handle now.... :sick:

Result was a trip to Essex for a replacement tailgate.  Came off a 52 plate V5, got it for £50 with a factory spoiler  :cool:  The handle on this one was beyond salvation and tailgate required a little paint repair under the handle.

Today I handed my life savings over to VW for a new handle 1J6 827 565 B (GRU)  Needs paint.

I'm considering changing the boot over this weekend.....

Do I go for the bolts under the headlining and have to reseal the brackets?
or
Source an 8mm female XZN and tackle the wierd ass bolts on the tailgate brackets?

One last thing, anything I can apply or do to the handle and lock to stop the rot again?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Tailgate replacement
Post by: brewey on 20 February 2015, 14:33

I'd go under the headlining makes it a 10ish minute job. That's the way I did mine well over 2 years ago now.

Title: Re: Tailgate replacement
Post by: madmanmart on 20 February 2015, 19:53

I just use a 8mm ring spanner on the tailgate bolts, saves messing with the headlining.

Title: Re: Tailgate replacement
Post by: benmanc on 20 February 2015, 20:31

8mm ring spanner. I had same job the other week when I put my smooth boot on which didnt come woth brackets

Title: Re: Tailgate replacement
Post by: Mr_Orange on 21 February 2015, 10:23

Cheers!
I just tried up a 12 point socket on the hinge bolts. Looks the correct fit. Had it in mind it was some obscure vw socket thing..... :/
Are the nuts in the tailgate captive, or will there be some adjustment on the fitment?
Cant bear the thought of messing with the headlining. Recall the straight bit across the back being a pig to fit back nicely. Broke clips etc.

Title: Re: Tailgate replacement
Post by: benmanc on 21 February 2015, 22:53

It is meant to be a special part like a triple square or vw only tool or something but 12 point 8mm works a treat as theres paint on there to help prevent rounding and usually not too tight

Title: Re: Tailgate replacement
Post by: Mr_Orange on 22 February 2015, 10:20

Quote from: benmanc on 21 February 2015, 22:53

It is meant to be a special part like a triple square or vw only tool or something but 12 point 8mm works a treat as theres paint on there to help prevent rounding and usually not too tight

Nice one ;)

Title: Re: Tailgate replacement
Post by: Mr_Orange on 28 February 2015, 22:56

Tailgate is coming along nicely. Seems however that it had a respray at some point.... Found out when I debadged it as they'd masked around the badges (!?) and small amount of lacquer came away with the massive old vw badge. I'm working my magic now with a rattle can, lots of masking and some serious amounts of polishing coming up.