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Thread: The dreaded upper tailgate

  1. #1
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    The dreaded upper tailgate

    Further along with my cosmetic overhaul...did a recondition of the usual rusted upper tailgate the hard way.
    Replaced the bottom frame section with a good one from a wreck. LEft the glass and rest of framing as it was with lots of rust converting, tapping out threads etc. Wrestled it back together. New latches both ends and new striker plates. Sealed up with silicone and repainted. New rubber seal for tailgate aperture.
    Now cannot for the life of me get the thing to latch closed no matter how many positions I try moving the striker plates. It seems that the whole frame stops short a few mm shy of tripping the latch right over so it clicks and holds. I did not disturb the upper hinges and there is no apparent adjustment in attaching the tailgate to the hinges. Have carefully adjusted the length of the rods operating the latches and they both release nicely.
    What am I doing wrong??

  2. #2
    GuyG's Avatar
    GuyG is offline ChatterBox Silver Subscriber
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    Try closing it with the lower tailgate open. The new rubber seal might be causing the issue.
    98 Harvey the tractor - 300 tdi Defender Wagon
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  3. #3
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    Thanks Guy,
    Yeah been trying it all with lower tailgate down - the new rubber is the one around the body aperture the upper tailgate closes on. I can only think that the whole window frame is somehow bent but can't believe it with the glass set in it. I've also checked it without the gas struts fitted - no diff.

  4. #4
    mike 90 RR Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by aRRon View Post
    Thanks Guy,
    Yeah been trying it all with lower tailgate down - .
    Those latches can be a pain ....

    Have you tried checking that the latches are actually working? ... IE ... Trip (roll) the latch to lock, with a screw driver >> Then press the button to see if they release (using the screwdriver to pull the latch open).

    The other thing is Lube .... Lots of lube

  5. #5
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    Thanks Mike - latches all rollover and lock nicely then release nicely on the button. When I can get one side to latch (just) the tailgate frame seems to sit several mm proud of the adjacent vinyl covered panel. I seem to rememeber the tailgate when shut is well recessed in the body - makes me think something is really wrong with the frame.

  6. #6
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    aRRon
    My tailgat sits proud of the side vinyl at the bottom by a few mm and it shuts okthe rest of the tatilgate frame is only just recessed so what you ay may be the way it is.
    I know if the bottom tailgate is open then it shuts easier and I can rattle the top part.
    Brad
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  7. #7
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    Have a really good look at the top hinges. They appear to be a bolt going into the roof structure, and I'd guess a nut on t'other side to hold it.

    One of Sarah's has worked loose a few turns, and just that tiny amount of free-play has made it Greek Drama to close both latches, - at the same time, and keep them closed.
    It was only be chance that I noticed the tiny movement of that hinge... Alignment of the whole shooting match is obviously extremely finicky.

    - Then the body twists...and the top pops open anyway....

    No,have no idea what's behind the head lining, no suitable time or expertise to take it our and look. Yet.
    I've got another frame/glass to replace the rusted out one, so I'm not being too gentle with the closing the current one !

  8. #8
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    Thanks mate, if there is any available adjustment where the hinges bolt to the body, then moving them outwards a few mm might just allow the bottom of the window to close in a bit more and trip the latches over.

  9. #9
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    Don't think any adjustment is intended.. - but have'nt looked close enough to wager my gonads on it.
    On mine, the top RH side is looser, and this has the effect of allowing the top of the upper to move rearwards nearly ONE millimetre... tiny, but enough to disturb the previously Ok setting/alignment.
    Apart from the need or usefulness in sitting ON the lower tailgate, the best idea IMHO is to fabricate a single-piece tailgate, hinged on top or one side like a Disco.
    My old Mazda van had a top-hinged 'gate, and it doubled as a sun-shade when the curtains were drawn... Or a rain-shelter in wintery times. Very useful when fishing.

    Doing a single-piece unit would also allow the inclusion of a proper latch, one that doesn't spring open with body flexing...

  10. #10
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    Yay! Your idea sorted it. Just one 7/16 nyloc nut holds each hinge in - dropped the roof lining a few inches and loosened each one off maybe two to three turns. Thuis has al;owed the top of the frame to come out a little and the lower section of the side frames to close in flatter. Both latches now lock albeit with a palm shove on each corner.
    The take home bit is that if anyone fits a new rubber seal (MTC2398 from Roverparts) around the upper body tailgate aperture the thickness of the rubber results in a squeeze along the top tailgate frame and prevents the lower part from "sitting" in flat against the body - that's with the hinge body mount nuts done up tight.

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