rear hatch swap

[Splash]

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?

[8vgti]

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!!!

[Splash]

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!

[nfarina]

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.

[Splash]

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

[albo]

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/.

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

[8vgti]

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)

[8vgti]

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

[tianaroja]

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

[turbo]

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