The dreaded upper tailgate

Doing mine at the moment, out of the 4 uppers I have, 2 good, 2 stuffed, the strip that the lower rubber goes in are all knackered. I could cut and shut one out of a few good sections, but a new one would be better.
Does anyone know if they are available?

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/classic-ra...ailgate-2.html

I fitted the Ritters tailgate strut kit back in late eighties and never had issue with tailgate opening. Still have kit on old car it is one of parts I am retaining:) It located struts down towards lower tailgate on body, with attachment on upper moved up much closer towards hinges. Worked a treat. And will again with luck!

Digging this one up as it's probably too late for the OP, but maybe for future candidates...

There are different upper tailgate seals and an additional rubber stopper on lower tailgates in certain VIN's.

I learned this after purchasing a Maxidrive alloy tailgate frame, and after pondering over it for a couple months, discovered that the "kit" as supplied is missing two very much required parts - that being the (lower-frame section) tailgate seal channel and the upper tailgate top c section that sits on the outside of the frame.

Everything else in the maxidrive kit is useful - bolts, nuts, rivets etc all stainless steel. there is no hardware included - i.e. no tailgate strut parts or latch or handles etc - all that is supposed to come from your own donor upper tailgate -

which brings me to the obvious -

Make sure everything on your tailgate you plan on redeploying is 100% serviceable, before you embark on the project. Or, order all the parts you know you will need. Matters not if the frame's rusty or the seal's kaput.
You will likely need the lower seal channel, (I learned this a bit too late) and the seal (300 bucks for a new one right now) and if you have any issues with rusty strut hinges or strikers etc, factor in new replacements for those too.

I was trawling famous four's website yesterday looking for the necessary lower seal channel, and they have an alloy replacement, which looks like extrusion you could get from a local alloy supplier here - but without a profile, you'd be clutching at straws.

That's when I noticed there are two different seals - early/late and an additional rubber bumper stop which affixes to the lower tailgate on certain RRC's up to a GA prefixed Vin. Since that did not apply to my case I kept on searching around and found that their website does do some mutual exclusion by way of selecting pre/post 85 models, and yet many parts are identical to both.

Regardless of how you undertake the project, know that it's not as straightforward as some may have you believe.

Heated rear glass? yeah add headliner removal to the task.
central locking? yep, more wiring to be cautious of and more things to break when disassembling
high-mount stop light? more potential to break plastic and succumb to rust-infested bracketry
strut problems? sorth those out before you contemplate removing the upper tailgate. It will save you frustration

If it weren't for the fact that my lower corners were rusting at the join, I'd probably have not bothered with the Maxidrive frame... but it is one impressive locally made piece of kit and for that reason alone it belongs on the car.

I just wish they had included the lower seal extrusion in their kit - would have saved a lot of frustration and delay.

Have you fed your experience back to them so they might improve the product

Next time I drive out to the redcliffe peninsula I am sure to let them know.

They might not want to hear what I have to say though. Spare parts retailers often have a very different view.

We all know about profit before people attitude that is so prevalent in modern society.

I'd simply rather see some more clarity in their product description and the 1-page instruction, stating that the kit specifically doesn't come with the additional parts which are likely to be completely stuffed, so check the condition and purchase additional required parts if necessary.

the fact that the tailgate rubber channel is completely hidden until the rubber is removed (which is not the ideal time to discover that you need a new channel) is where this unravels.

It's not a complaint, it's simply stating facts.

In order to achieve the desired outcome of successful tailgate frame replacement, the manufacturer should ensure that the parts list and instruction set are comprehensive enough to enable the individual who is using it, to clearly determine what additional parts may be required through a quick guided assessment. For the most part, the vendor in this case states what is not included in a single sentence in the middle of the procedure.

Also, mixing stainless fasteners with alloy frames and reusing old (perhaps rusting) existing steel parts in combination, is a galvanic corrosion nightmare waiting to happen, and not everyone has a bucket of tef-gel at their disposal, So there are a few oversights occurring here.

The product is good - and I'm sure more people would buy them so long as the installation instructions were a little more comprehensive (they are positively skeletal) and the product description on the website was a little more detailed - I would suggest they recommend purchase of additional parts to ensure a less 'difficult' installation.

I could think of quite a few additional sundry items to include in a 'kit' to make it more comprehensive, however, there is a point at which the inclusion of sundry parts could change a package's dangerous goods status, or become cost-prohibitive or both.

Some people would look for a used tailgate as a more cost-effective substitute in this scenario, but that's not really the most economical solution either (unless it's free) because sooner than later it too will suffer the same issue as existing, and individual is back at square one.

That's not the most practicable solution for someone who's entertaining the notion of keeping the vehicle longterm.

There's no harm in bringing these observations to the attention of the manufacturer - but again, experiences of vendors past tell me these things are just wholesale ignored.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mercguy

Next time I drive out to the redcliffe peninsula I am sure to let them know.

They might not want to hear what I have to say though. Spare parts retailers often have a very different view.

We all know about profit before people attitude that is so prevalent in modern society.

I'd simply rather see some more clarity in their product description and the 1-page instruction, stating that the kit specifically doesn't come with the additional parts which are likely to be completely stuffed, so check the condition and purchase additional required parts if necessary.

the fact that the tailgate rubber channel is completely hidden until the rubber is removed (which is not the ideal time to discover that you need a new channel) is where this unravels.

It's not a complaint, it's simply stating facts.

In order to achieve the desired outcome of successful tailgate frame replacement, the manufacturer should ensure that the parts list and instruction set are comprehensive enough to enable the individual who is using it, to clearly determine what additional parts may be required through a quick guided assessment. For the most part, the vendor in this case states what is not included in a single sentence in the middle of the procedure.

Also, mixing stainless fasteners with alloy frames and reusing old (perhaps rusting) existing steel parts in combination, is a galvanic corrosion nightmare waiting to happen, and not everyone has a bucket of tef-gel at their disposal, So there are a few oversights occurring here.

The product is good - and I'm sure more people would buy them so long as the installation instructions were a little more comprehensive (they are positively skeletal) and the product description on the website was a little more detailed - I would suggest they recommend purchase of additional parts to ensure a less 'difficult' installation.

I could think of quite a few additional sundry items to include in a 'kit' to make it more comprehensive, however, there is a point at which the inclusion of sundry parts could change a package's dangerous goods status, or become cost-prohibitive or both.

Some people would look for a used tailgate as a more cost-effective substitute in this scenario, but that's not really the most economical solution either (unless it's free) because sooner than later it too will suffer the same issue as existing, and individual is back at square one.

That's not the most practicable solution for someone who's entertaining the notion of keeping the vehicle longterm.

There's no harm in bringing these observations to the attention of the manufacturer - but again, experiences of vendors past tell me these things are just wholesale ignored.

---

Excellent post. And your point about second hand being an interim step for those wishing to keep these treasures is particularly pertinent.

I cant think of a better, more qualified person than you to start a sticky thread on this, which can then be added to by others?

Haha Gav, flattery will get you nowhere LMAO [thumbsupbig]

I'll compile a list of part numbers pertinent to the job, I have them already tabled somewhere, but right now I'm juggling work, a cranky RRC and an interstate relocation which hasn't reached it's pivot (we're mid-way travelling). I'll give you a call before xmas to be sure. [wink11]

Additional parts worth considering - and this is wholly based on the premise that they are available.
At the time of this post, all the part number references I posted are available from most of the UK suppliers. In this instance I'm using alternate references from Famous Four, as they originally had the part reference I was chasing.



MXC8420 - upper tailgate side catch RH formerly MUC3296
MXC8421 - upper tailgate side catch LH AKA MTC1739 ?
MTC2398 - Rubber Seal for Body Frame to Tailgates
MXC8422- Top Tailgate Bottom Rubber Seal
Use with metal retaining strip FF002053 (aka MTC7553AL)
MTC7553 - rubber seal channel for MXC8422 - FF use an AL suffix on this part number to determine that it is an aluminium extrusion, and not the pressed steel LR part.

Diagram below and within the code window are the part references along with current GBP price and availability from Jaguar Land Rover Classic
Genuine Tailgate Assembly-upper For Land Rover Range Rover Classic 1992 - 1994 (from Ja610294) Classic | Jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts

Attachment 182361

Code:

---

1       
Tailgate assembly
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
ALR4637
£2,071.43 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
FROM VIN MA647645
ALR6229
£1,280.99 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
ALR4852
£2,102.22 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
FROM VIN MA647645
ALR6230
£1,296.00 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
2       
Glass-Green backlight
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MXC1377
£432.56 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MXC5791
£775.30 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
3       
Tailgate frame
Also serviced as part of a kit
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
NLS
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
NLS
Out of Stock
 
4       
Seal-tailgate
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
RTC4264
£23.99 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
RTC4264
£23.99 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
5       
Drain channel
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MWC9493
£8.77 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MWC9493
£8.77 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
6       
Bracket
Also serviced as part of a kit,RH,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MXC1382
£13.03 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MXC1382
£13.03 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part',LH
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MXC1383
£20.94 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MXC1383
£20.94 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
7       
Screw
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
SF604127
£2.83 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
SF604127
£2.83 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
8       
Washer-Plain
Also serviced as part of a kit
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
WC702101L
£0.48 inc VAT




 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
WC702101L
£0.48 inc VAT




 
9       
Nut - Hex.
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
RTC3953
£6.20 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
RTC3953
£6.20 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
10       
Rivet
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
RTC3954
£1.60 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
RTC3954
£1.60 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
11       
Hinge assembly-tailgate
Also serviced as part of a kit,RH,Upper
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA629455
390084
  ↳
ALR4638


£78.68 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA629455
390084
  ↳
ALR4638


£78.68 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Also serviced as part of a kit,Upper,LH
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA629455
390085
  ↳
ALR4639


£72.98 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA629455
390085
  ↳
ALR4639


£72.98 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Also serviced as part of a kit,RH,'Classic Part',Upper
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
FROM VIN KA629456
ALR4638
£78.68 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
FROM VIN KA629456
ALR4638
£78.68 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part',Upper,LH
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
FROM VIN KA629456
ALR4639
£72.98 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
FROM VIN KA629456
ALR4639
£72.98 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
12       
Screw-torx-countersunk
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MWC9605
£1.02 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MWC9605
£1.02 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
13       
Washer-copper
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MUC3905
£0.65 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MUC3905
£0.65 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
14       
Washer
Also serviced as part of a kit
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
3982L
£10.76 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
3982L
£10.76 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
15       
Washer-Spring
Also serviced as part of a kit,5/16
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
WM600051L
£0.83 inc VAT




 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
WM600051L
£0.83 inc VAT




 
16       
Nut - Hex.
Also serviced as part of a kit,1/4,nyloc,Hexagonal
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
NY604041L
£0.86 inc VAT




 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
NY604041L
£0.86 inc VAT




 
17       
Clip - Brake Pipe
Also serviced as part of a kit
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
79124
  ↳
CRC1250L


£1.84 inc VAT




 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
79124
  ↳
CRC1250L


£1.84 inc VAT




 
18       
Seal-tailgate
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MXC8422
£129.70 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MXC8422
£129.70 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
19       
Retainer
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MTC7553
£40.56 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MTC7553
£40.56 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
20       
Rivet
Also serviced as part of a kit,Aluminium,pop,0.125
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
RU608123L
£0.89 inc VAT




 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
RU608123L
£0.89 inc VAT




 
21       
Clip
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MRC7257
£8.22 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MRC7257
£8.22 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
22       
Lock-tailgate
'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MUC6938
£49.87 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MUC6938
£49.87 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
23       
Screw
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
SA105201
£0.41 inc VAT




 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
SA105201
£0.41 inc VAT




 
24       
Lock extension
RH,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MXC8420
£69.37 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MXC8420
£69.37 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
'Classic Part',LH
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MXC8421
£70.43 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MXC8421
£70.43 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
25       
Screw
Also serviced as part of a kit,1/4UNF x 1,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
SF604087
£0.61 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
SF604087
£0.61 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
26       
Washer
Also serviced as part of a kit,6MM
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
WA106041L
  ↳
WA106042


£1.74 inc VAT




 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
WA106041L
  ↳
WA106042


£1.74 inc VAT




 
27       
Nut-domed
Also serviced as part of a kit
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
RTC1146
  ↳
RTC3953


£6.20 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
RTC1146
  ↳
RTC3953


£6.20 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
28       
Shield-lock
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MUC1987
£2.12 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MUC1987
£2.12 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
29       
Rivet-pop-steel
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
RA608127
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
RA608127
No Longer Available
 
30       
Lock Lid
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part',LH
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MUC6937
£32.92 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MUC6937
£32.92 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Also serviced as part of a kit,RH,'Classic Part'
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
TO VIN KA647644
MXC1389
£35.20 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
TO VIN KA647644
MXC1389
£35.20 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
31       
Handle assembly-tailgate
Also serviced as part of a kit,'Classic Part'
MWC8656
£231.30 inc VAT




 
32       
Screw-pan
handle to seal,'Classic Part'
SE910441
£1.43 inc VAT




 
33       
Screw-self tapping
lock cover to seal tailgate,No 6 x 3/8
AR606034
  ↳
AR606031L


£0.49 inc VAT




 
34       
Strut-tailgate gas
MXC7833
£49.54 inc VAT




 
35       
Seal-tailgate
'Classic Part',LH
391482
£11.78 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
RH,'Classic Part'
391483
£12.18 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
36       
Seal-upper tailgate waist
'Classic Part'
MUC6429
£1.37 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
37       
Striker assembly-tailgate
'Classic Part'
MUC4135
£10.68 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
38       
Shim
'Classic Part'
391373
£1.46 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
39       
Screw
striker to shim,1/4UNF x 1,'Classic Part'
SF604087
£0.61 inc VAT
Out of Stock
 
40       
Seal
'Classic Part',LH
MWC3347
£4.49 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
RH,'Classic Part'
MWC3348
£4.49 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
41       
Sleeve
'Classic Part'
589818
£10.37 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
42       
Bracket
'Classic Part'
589130
£1.78 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
43       
Screw
bracket to seal,Self Tapping,No 8 x 3/8
AB608031L
£0.48 inc VAT




 
44       
Cover harness
'Classic Part'
MXC1379
£24.55 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
45       
Clip
'Classic Part'
MXC1378
No Longer Available
 
46       
Handle assembly-tailgate
Black,'Classic Part'
BTR6740PUB
£51.72 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
47       
Label-warning
MWC6223
£0.83 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
900       
Hinge assembly-tailgate
RH,'Classic Part',Upper
Less High Mounted Stop Lamp,With Central Locking System
ALR4638
£78.68 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
Less Central Locking System,With High Mounted Stop Lamp
ALR4638
£78.68 inc VAT
No Longer Available
 
901       
Operating probe

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mercguy

Haha Gav, flattery will get you nowhere LMAO [thumbsupbig]

I'll compile a list of part numbers pertinent to the job, I have them already tabled somewhere, but right now I'm juggling work, a cranky RRC and an interstate relocation which hasn't reached it's pivot (we're mid-way travelling). I'll give you a call before xmas to be sure. [wink11]

---

If you want something done quickly, give it to a busy person GRIN!!

Might be worth adding the mod (or at least a reference) to keep the door from jumping open ie reverse mounting points so the struts are working to keep the frame closed?