Tailgate

Background In 1979, VW introduced the Rabbit (AKA Caddy) coupe ute based on the Gold Mk1 platform that sported a tailgate with VOLKSWAGEN lettering across the middle. Refer to back end treatment and tailgate skin preparation discussions. The tailgate skin provides a canvas for customizing the Ute. Of course, it can...

Background Refer to tailgate preliminaries and mechanisms for initial fitment of the aluminum frame. The fiberglass tailgate outer skin is the last body shell component attached to the aluminum infrastructure. It must match the contour of the quarter panel ends and the left/right gaps must be straight and even on both...

Latch handle The latch mechanism supplied by the Smyth Performance kit functions well but the latch opening method — a simple Biothane coated webbing runs through slits in the aluminum instead of an actual handle — can be improved. One option is to adapt the handle used in the 2005-09 Polaris...

Background Refer to the tailgate mechanisms discussion. The tailgate is attached to bottom hinges and strikers on the bedside walls. Two support cables also attach to the side walls and the (optional) sliding bolt lock interfaces with a catch on the left wall. A partial tailgate assembly helps with the accurate...