Replacing tailgate on W639 Viano

[JimViano32]

I've been a long time reader of the forums on here, so let me start by saying thanks for all of the helpful advice I've received so far... However, I've now run into an issue that I can't seem to find an answer for on the forums and thought I should have a go at posting it myself!

I have a 2004 Viano 3.2 Compact (SWB) van which has, like many others of the same vintage, suffered with rust. I finally decided to get around to having it sorted at a body shop over this winter break, and was given the advice that the best option to resolve the rust in the tailgate should be to source a new (not rusty) tailgate that could be resprayed to match. I sourced a rust-free (but slightly damaged) tailgate that the body shop repaired - all looked good...

However, when they went to bolt the tailgate back on, it didn't fit properly and seemed to sit "too high up" (pictures attached). The body shop doing the work is under the impression that the tailgate has probably been "stretched" at the top end and that is therefore why it doesn't fit. The company selling the part is suggesting it is because it came from a later model (post-facelift) despite stating it was compatible on the listing.

The question I need help with is were there any changes to the tailgate shape/size during the facelift of the W639 vito/viano? My research hasn't shown there was anything, but I didn't know if someone on here might be able to do a search for the part number and see if that changed at all during the facelift?

Thanks massively for any help anyone can provide.

 

[BTB 500]

So does the tailgate fit at the bottom?? From those pics it just looks like a problem with the hinges causing the whole thing to sit too high ... are those the original ones, or the ones that came on the new tailgate? You can do nasty things to the hinges if you are reversing slowly and forget that the tailgate is open ... allegedly

 

[JimViano32]

So does the tailgate fit at the bottom?? From those pics it just looks like a problem with the hinges causing the whole thing to sit too high ... are those the original ones, or the ones that came on the new tailgate? You can do nasty things to the hinges if you are reversing slowly and forget that the tailgate is open ... allegedly

Thanks for the suggestion. I think it is closing at the bottom, but I'll double-check with the body shop.

The hinges were from the previous tailgate which closed fine (structurally).

 

[BTB 500]

I thought the only panels that changed in the 2010 facelift were the front wings and front bumper, but I can't confirm that for certain. You need somebody who has a facelift W639 to measure the overall height of the tailgate! Hope you manage to get it sorted.

 

[JimViano32]

Thanks for the advice.

Is there anyone on here with a facelift Viano/Vito that could advise?

 

[JimViano32]

In case this helps anyone else in the future, I can confirm that tailgates from the post facelift Viano/Vito do fit the pre-facelift. Well my second replacement one did at least!

Turns out the original one was damaged as suspected.