Removing tailgate stops and closing adjustors?

[Belix]

Recently had to have the tailgate replaced after someone failed to stop behind me.
On collecting the car I noticed that the two spaces where the adjustable tailgate stops hit on the tailgate where missing. I ordered up another set from the dealers, but on collection have since found that the new tailgate has a different hole to the previous one. Checking in ETKA, I see that somewhere in July 2010, VW changed the way they were fitted.

Pre 25-07-2010, the adjustable bit was in the bdy of the car, and the stop in the tailgate lid.




Post that date, they moved the adjustable bit to the tailgate, requiring a change of hole, and have a new comlicated stop on the body.


No major trainsmash I hope - the adjustable stop is the same part number, so I just need to get it out, and move it to the tailgate, then get the new stop and fit it to the body...hopefully the holes are the same.
It seems to need "rivetted nut cap" which sounds complicated to fit, but I'll get to that later.

Question is - how do i remove the adjustable bump stop bit from the body?

[EyeballPaul]

My tailgate is slightly higher on the left i have the adjuster on the body, had a quick look at them how do they adjust

[Belix]

Not as hard as I thought.
1. Remove the rubber end cap
2. Remove the hex screw now visible with an allan key
3. Pull out the adjustable rod
4. Use a size 23 socket to turn the plastic nut about 180 degrees. It has tabs on the underside that need to line up with the openings in the hole, and should then just pull out.

Now, I wonder if VW changed the shape of the hole in the body too?

To adjust them just do step 1 and 2, then move the rod in or out to adjust, screw the hex screw back in and put the cap back on.