Tailgate hinges on a Cali

FredFlintstone · Jan 29, 2024

Hi Folks, our Cali is not parked locally so I can't check myself.

Need a little help.. is it possible to directly access the tailgate hinges on a Cali, or is there trim over them?

It looks like there's major stripdown to access the internal hinges? So am hoping that the external hinges are accessible?

I have tried a quick internet search but couldn't see myself.

Big thanks

Perfectos · Jan 29, 2024

Not sure I understand what the question is ?

the hinges to the tailgate are attached to the top of the tailgate door.
They are fully accessible when the tailgate is open.

there is no trim over them , they are painted body colour

not sure what you mean by the “internal hinges” ?

Edit: are you referring to removing the tailgate hinge ?

FredFlintstone · Jan 29, 2024

Thanks, you've just answered my question perfectly TBH.

So with the tailgate open, there's unimpeded access to the hinge & hinge fixings.

Just what I was hoping to hear!

The other side of the hinge (the body mounted side). I think these are 100% covered and require major teardown to access.

Perfectos · Jan 29, 2024

What is it your trying to do / achieve?

FredFlintstone · Jan 29, 2024

Well.. After fitting an OEM bike rack I find that the tailgate is misaligned (tailgate clearance to tail light smaller on the left). Meaning bike rack clamp is too close for comfort on the LHS.

I'm going to explore shimming the LH hinge in the tailgate.

Ch1pbutty · Jan 29, 2024

FredFlintstone said:
Well.. After fitting an OEM bike rack I find that the tailgate is misaligned (tailgate clearance to tail light smaller on the left). Meaning bike rack clamp is too close for comfort on the LHS.

I'm going to explore shimming the LH hinge in the tailgate.

Rack might just need a wiggle. Mine looked like it wasn’t right, but just needed a small shift.

FredFlintstone · Jan 29, 2024

Few pics

Perfectos · Jan 29, 2024

FredFlintstone said:
Well.. After fitting an OEM bike rack I find that the tailgate is misaligned (tailgate clearance to tail light smaller on the left). Meaning bike rack clamp is too close for comfort on the LHS.

I'm going to explore shimming the LH hinge in the tailgate.

Look in the resource section I have posted how to adjust the tailgate

here is the link

Rear door adjustment

Brief resource for adjusting tailgate

vwcaliforniaclub.com

calikev · Jan 30, 2024

i have fitted many bike racks and they do vary sometimes the sealer under the edge is thicker one side some vans have vey little sealer at all the racks tend to fit better on those with an equal gap between the tail lights

Ch1pbutty · Jan 30, 2024

T5.1, but it’s a close fit:

View attachment IMG_4972.jpeg

View attachment IMG_4971.jpeg

Perfectos · Jan 30, 2024

Before you go for the nuclear option (realign the tailgate) check the rear light seating , it sits on a couple of plastic pegs attached to the body work (behind the light unit) aligned with the “u” shaped fixing in the rear of the plastic light casing, undo the fixing screw(s) and remove (visible when tailgate lifted), lift the light unit to the side it will come off the peg fixings , it will be retained by the electrical connection.
Check the peg‘s and corresponding U‘s, clean if necessary , refit, push down gently until the light is seated correct on the pegs (to see if the light unit will move downward) , re secure the screws.

The light unit moves sideways to remove it from the fixings

FredFlintstone · Jan 30, 2024

Perfectos said:
Look in the resource section I have posted how to adjust the tailgate

here is the link

Rear door adjustment

Brief resource for adjusting tailgate

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Yep, have seen this before. However guessing (and it is a guess because I've not been able to properly investigate) that these are completely inaccessible?

Screenshot_20240130_194956_Adobe Acrobat.jpg

Perfectos · Jan 30, 2024

Correct the fixings are behind the internal trim Etc.

realigning the tailgate is not for the faint hearted, I would explore every
other option First.

FredFlintstone · Jan 30, 2024

Yep, exploring options currently

Perfectos · Jan 30, 2024

FredFlintstone said:
Yep, exploring options currently

What Is the gap at the bottom of the tailgate like I.e. parallel to the bumper etc , is there any obvious gap issues anywhere other than when the bike rack was fitted which seems to have highlighted the issue?

as mentioned above check the thickness of joint sealant is not affecting the way the clamp seats on the tailgate.

FredFlintstone · Jan 30, 2024

Perfectos said:
Before you go for the nuclear option (realign the tailgate) check the rear light seating , it sits on a couple of plastic pegs attached to the body work (behind the light unit) aligned with the “u” shaped fixing in the rear of the plastic light casing, undo the fixing screw(s) and remove (visible when tailgate lifted), lift the light unit upwards and it will come off the peg fixings , it will be retained by the electrical connection.
Check the peg‘s and corresponding U‘s, clean if necessary , refit, push down gently until the light is seated correct on the pegs (to see if the light unit will move downward) , re secure the screws.

The light unit moves sideways to remove it from the fixings

Will thoroughly check this on the weekend

Ch1pbutty · Jan 31, 2024

Try taking the lights off, fit the rack, then reattach light cluster. Might give you a bit more leeway. Just close the boot very carefully first time in case light fouls on the rack.

Video - Barn door van , but same principle.

FredFlintstone · Mar 6, 2024

Perfectos said:
What Is the gap at the bottom of the tailgate like I.e. parallel to the bumper etc , is there any obvious gap issues anywhere other than when the bike rack was fitted which seems to have highlighted the issue?

as mentioned above check the thickness of joint sealant is not affecting the way the clamp seats on the tailgate.

Gapping at the lights (tailgate to top of light lense bigger RHS to left). Gapping between tailgate & bumper skin RHS is greater that Left. Gapping between lower edge of LHS rear light lense is same as on RHS.

Will be rectifying this weekend if all goes to plan!