Posted by Gordon on Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 4:20PM :
In Reply to: Hey Gord got a quick question for you posted by bruce on the coast on Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 3:14PM :
Without even seeing it I'll tell you that the problem is the tailgate, not the liftgate (that's the correct terms for them - I'm told)
Basically the liftgate is a thin, flimsy peice of metal that doesn't do much other than keep the rain out and hold two pieces of glass, whereas the tailgate is heavy, chunky, and usually battered and broken at top mid centre where it has been hit.
The answer to the question is that the adjustment is in the hinge to body mounting plates which give about 1/8" of movement, but dont be afraid to slot the bolt holes to get a bit more if you need it. First thing to do is to get the shape of the tailgate right and I'd bet yours has been damaged and welded, which means the profile, fit, and curve where it meets the bottom edge of the liftgate will be holding it 'wrong'
Loosen the top hinge screws and see if the liftgate will close and fit on it's own - if it does your problem is the top edge of the tailgate - if it doesn't then the body aperture is out of shape somehow. The key area to work on is normally the top centre of the tailgate right in the middle. You can slot it down to the access panel, and then you can flex the whole top edge of the tailgate back to the right profile to fit under the liftgate and weld it solid again.
Gordon
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