Caddy Tailgate Conversion Dilema !!!

[r10ppa]

Bit help needed boys and girls.

Anybody know if a 16 plate new new shape caddy maxi tailgate would fit onto an 64 plate last shape caddy, im aware of the rear lights needing to be changed for the new style too aswel as all the struts etc but im being told conflicting stories, yes and no's from people supposedly in the know regarding shape and hinges.

Any input much appreciated.

Cheers David

[Doc]

Only ever seen one 2016 tailgate conversion and that's Dan's van that was done at RAD. Are you getting genuine information from someone who has done it or just someone who thinks they know?

[r10ppa]

Its both believe it or not doc.

First guy has done a similar conversation albeit with an older styled tailgate, reckons its a go with the new shape no problem, same everything apart from cut out for the new shaped lights on the tailgate.

Second guy is from a VW specialist based in the north, breaker, parts, conversions blah blah blah, he reckons its a total different shaped rear door due to the new caddy maxi being longer or wider I cant remember exactly what he said, hinges in a different position too.

Wouldn't be a problem if I could get hold of an older shaped tailgate, unfortunately they seem to be like rocking horse shit and all that's available in the new shape, which im now fearful to buy, unless anyone has a contact for me on here.

Cheers

[Doc]

The new shape is no longer or wider so I think the second guy is only guessing.
Get yourself on the parts database (ETKA.cc) and compare panels, hinges, struts etc.
Trouble is, some people will try to fit something they have to hand if they are near a breakers, they manage to fit it and then tell the world that theirs is the only solution. If you're buying new parts (a 2016 breaker is gonna be difficult to find) then you'll be buying all the parts to suit. Not trying to mix n' match.

[r10ppa]

Champion.

Thanx for the help

[anoneamus]

I did a little investigation into this, and as far as I can tell, it's just a case of switching the lid and tail lights. This is from the perspective of putting a FL2 tailgate onto a FL model that already has a tailgate. If you're doing a conversion from barn door to tailgate you'll probably end up spending quite a bit on rubber seals, hinges, trim(?), door locks etc. unless you can find a scrap-yard donor for all of those parts.

[dan@biali]

My swb was done as Doc pointed out at Reflex, and it was [relatively] straightforward. I'm not sure if the Maxi is any different but can't see why it would be. There are a couple of things apart from the door that you would need, one of which is a rear crossmember and a strengthening piece but they're not hugely expensive. Reflex have done a couple of conversions so it might be worth giving them a call to see how much it is to do through them.

[r10ppa]

Brilliant.

Thanks for all the help guys

[Nath_cuddy]

No strengthening needs to be done to support the tailgate then? Could have sworn I was told it couldn't be done on a T5 for this reason. Assumed the Caddy would be the same story.

[kona75]

You have to replace the panel at the top of the opening with the tailgate version if swapping from barn door to tailgate . Just trying to gather the bits to do it my self but very slow progress at the moment. Need hinges for tailgate and rear glass. And somebody who has a TPS account in Cornwall as I'm not in the trade.

[DHD]

You have to replace the panel at the top of the opening with the tailgate version if swapping from barn door to tailgate . .....

Is that a 'cut out & weld in' job?

[torque777]

I would say so

[Matt@Reflex]

Ok you need a tailgate, hinges, catch and the latch that bolts to the van as this is different.
You also need the two panels that weld in along the top.
The most difficult bit is where the dampers bolt on. The tailgate model has reiforcements inside the 1/4 panels but other vans are single skin which is not strong enough to support the dampers.

[kona75]

Has anyone got part numbers for new tailgate , I'm after glass heated and with hole for rear wash wipe.
Part number for high level brake light and panels for welding that need changing. Any help would be great full

[markf]

Did anyone come back with part numbers for this? Interested in doing this conversion myself