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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Splash on 11 February 2004, 20:55

Title: rear hatch swap
Post by: Splash on 11 February 2004, 20:55

I'm thinking of replacing the rear hatchback on my otherwise mint M-reg mk3 GTi (5-door) as it's starting to rust close to one of the bottom corners of the rear screen.
I've read somewhere that the later rear hatches are galvanised and, obviously, I would like to go for one of these if possible. In what year did VW start fitting these and does anyone have a part number? Are there any visual differences with these tailgates?
I'm thinking of getting a brand new hatch sprayed off the car and swapping everything over myself. Has anyone ever fitted a rear window and rubber, or is it a job best left to the experts?
Anyone got any ideas on cost?

Title: Re:rear hatch swap
Post by: 8vgti on 12 February 2004, 13:44

Personally I wouldnt even consider changing the glass myself as I think it is like the windscreen and glued in place so a real arse of a job. As far as I know there are no cosmetic changes to the tailgate, but thought all tailgates were galvanised on the mk 3?? Easy job to swap hatches, but I personally would get a quote from a windscreen place to replace the glass. Alternatively if that is sky high fit the new tailgate and then drive along to the windscreen place and say the old one 'just fell out' and if your insurance is anything like mine, pay ?50 xs for a new one!!!

Title: Re:rear hatch swap
Post by: Splash on 12 February 2004, 19:59

I've seen a few Mk3s, up to M-reg, with rust beginning in the corner of the rear screen like mine. Surely if it was galvanised then it shouldn't rust?
Thanks for advice on rear glass - sounds like a good solution!

Title: Re:rear hatch swap
Post by: nfarina on 16 February 2004, 23:59

My tailgate needs replacing for the same reason, rusting near the bottom of the window.  Apparenly, it's a design flaw, which is why VW fitted a galvanised tailgate to later models.

I just checked with GSF for prices.

The later-spec stainless steel tailgate is ?195

The normal steel tailgate is ?120

There are no differences in the design.

Moving the existing window over to the new tailgate is not possible.  You need to go to a windscreen fitter and have a new one fitted.  This is where it gets pricey.

Title: Re:rear hatch swap
Post by: Splash on 17 February 2004, 18:25

Thanks for that. Looks like stainless tailgate is worth the extra.
Without sounding too dumb, who are GSF?

Title: Re:rear hatch swap
Post by: albo on 19 February 2004, 16:17

Quote from: Splash on 17 February 2004, 18:25

Thanks for that. Looks like stainless tailgate is worth the extra.
Without sounding too dumb, who are GSF?

GSF are German Swedish and French http://www.gsfcarparts.com/ (http://www.gsfcarparts.com/).

I too want to replace mine for the same reasons.  Anyone know roughly how much it would cost for the spraying?  (Tornado Red).  Better still, does anyone have one in that colour spare. :-\

Albo

Title: Re:rear hatch swap
Post by: 8vgti on 19 February 2004, 16:57

May also be worth a look at Eurocarparts as prices for tailgate are ?128-?194 dpending on the quality and especially as you can get a 10% discount if you go through the Leeds branch and ask for Stuart (see in member offers section)

Title: Re:rear hatch swap
Post by: 8vgti on 19 February 2004, 16:58

Look here (deals and discounts)!!
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=17

Title: Re:rear hatch swap
Post by: tianaroja on 24 February 2004, 01:01

just to make you feel a bit better mine is rotten all around the bottom of the glass i didnt realise any were galvnised.
are you sure about being the replacement being stainless as this sounds very cheap

Title: Re:rear hatch swap
Post by: turbo on 24 February 2004, 02:55

the vr6 is rusting hear...... common problem!!! :(