T5.1 to T6.1 tailgate

RobVader

New Member
Hi all, so I need some help please. I have had help from previous posts but im now a little stuck and need some help. I have a T5.1 Caravelle, I want to change the rear tailgate to a t6.1, I have the tailgate, and pretty much everything to change it over. I have the last bit I need help with before I change over, I have everything but I've had no luck finding out if I can use the original locking units from my old tail gate for the new one, I bought a new genuine lower catch unit but I need advice about the locking electric control unit, do I need a T 6.1 unit or will my T5.1 unit work ?
 
Only parts I needed was the tailgate handle with the switch and plugs for the conectors as they were different. Make sure you have the correct 3rd brake light aswell. The interior trim for the 5.1 tailgate is to big and overlaps the window so bear that in mind. I have gone for a solid tailgate so it doesn't matter.
 
Only parts I needed was the tailgate handle with the switch and plugs for the conectors as they were different. Make sure you have the correct 3rd brake light aswell. The interior trim for the 5.1 tailgate is to big and overlaps the window so bear that in mind. I have gone for a solid tailgate so it doesn't matter.
Thanks so much for giving me that info. Thankfully I managed to get the interior trim with other parts for the tailgate a while ago, got a new centre break too. Just trying to work out which lights to but for it, either THQ ones or genuine T6.1 leds then I am ready to fit ;)
 
I went for genuine led 6.1 and love the look of them. Can't remember the pin outs, but I'll see if I can find them if you go down that route, but i think there is a loom kit now ease.
 
I went for genuine led 6.1 and love the look of them. Can't remember the pin outs, but I'll see if I can find them if you go down that route, but i think there is a loom kit now ease.
I would like to go that way too but not found any for sale and don't fancy paying VW dealer prices. Where did you get yours from ?
 
I got them from travelinlite as they were cheaper than what I could get them for at trade prices from tps. And as a bonus i got the wife to wire them up. This is it almost finished. Just got the exhaust to do when funds allows. 20250710_204805.webp
 
I got them from travelinlite as they were cheaper than what I could get them for at trade prices from tps. And as a bonus i got the wife to wire them up. This is it almost finished. Just got the exhaust to do when funds allows. View attachment 312127
Thanks for the info, I will give them a call in the morning. Your van looks stunning ;) Is it a biturbo 180 ? I had a scorpion exhaust fitted by Retro Resus, it totally transformed the van and sounds amazing now ;) Have you changed the front end too ? I like the look of mine but thinking about updating it possibly ;)
 
Thats a shame, but looking around this time of year is always good for bargains on ebay. Unfortunately it is the bitdi 4motion. It's had everything new, front and rear end, new engine ect. The only thing left are the exhaust, rads and gearbox left to change apart from that everything is brand new. In hind sight would have been cheaper to buy a new van. So it has made a difference with the new exhaust, didn't think it would do anything apart from looks. My exhaust is knackered and I want rs3 tips to finish off the backend off. This is how she looks atm but hopefully will change in the spring. 20250710_204749.webp
 
Thats a shame, but looking around this time of year is always good for bargains on ebay. Unfortunately it is the bitdi 4motion. It's had everything new, front and rear end, new engine ect. The only thing left are the exhaust, rads and gearbox left to change apart from that everything is brand new. In hind sight would have been cheaper to buy a new van. So it has made a difference with the new exhaust, didn't think it would do anything apart from looks. My exhaust is knackered and I want rs3 tips to finish off the backend off. This is how she looks atm but hopefully will change in the spring. View attachment 312128
Mines Bitdi too, I've had new engine, turbos and pretty much everything including a gearbox rebuild thanks to the drive shafts shredding the drive flanges into the gearbox ;( I do love the van though. I didn't think the exhaust would make that much difference but it did, it's much more free reving and much quicker now. I went for the scorpion non resonator straight through, it sounds nice but not too loud. Hopefully I can find a set of genuine lights today as I want to fit the tailgate over Christmas.
 
Fingers crossed you find some pal. Do I dare ask how much the box job was.
I've been looking today and no one seems to have the originals just now, THQ has the aftermarket ones as do VeeDub, just trying to decide on either black smoke or red smoke, ;) .
It was two years ago nearly to the day, I think by the time the box was removed and fixed,new drive shafts and duel mass flywheel clutch and some other work about £4500, I can't remember if the exhaust was in that price too, I will check the invoice. sadly I had to have the power steering sorted recently, the rack started leaking so by the time they sorted that, new power steering pump,air con pump and some hoses that was another £4500 ;(
 
Back
Top