AbermouthPave
New Member
The bloke at the bodyshop says this gap is within 'factory specifications' and that you will see variations in any tailgate if you look closely enough. See photos attached and let me know your thoughts?
Tailgate came back wonky from bodyshop
- Thread starter AbermouthPave
- Start date
The moment he used those words you knew he was talking out of his behind.
Tell him stop being a c u next Tuesday and adjust it. It would take him 10-20 mins to get that right if the hinges are not bent. Look at where it bolts to to see if he has put it to the old marks. If there is primer showing, he's just slapped it on.
@AbermouthPave if the rear lights have been taken out perhaps they have been put back a bit wonky and the tailgate is fine
If its a new tailgate there can be differences in the pressing between the original and new. I’d check all the other panel gaps, heights and alignments. To have the bit you see looking spot on something else might have to be compromised.
If other points are out of alignment then its poor attention to detail! And TBH most joe public would accept it as their vehicle is a tool rather than a hobby / interest.
If other points are out of alignment then its poor attention to detail! And TBH most joe public would accept it as their vehicle is a tool rather than a hobby / interest.
For the most part they are agreeing with us. Only one detractor, a chap who reckons because he once had a similarly sloppy job on a Volvo repair and was happy to put up with it so such a shoddy job must surely be acceptable here.
It wasnt like that before, it should not be like that now. If they cant take a panel, trim, or whatever, off a vehicle and replace it exactly as before, or substitute a new one to the same standard, they shouldn't be in the job. Im far from an expert spanner jockey and I have replaced doors and panels and done a better job.
AbermouthPave
New Member
That is useful feedback. In relation to the lights vs tailgate question, good point and it does seem to be the tailgate that is out because the lights align with the other panels whereas the tailgate is out of line with lights and the other panels.
Name and shame: in case I have to go legal with them, I want to avoid an own goal by naming them at this stage.
I looked around their entire car park / showroom and I didnt see a single tailgate like this so the 'factory specs' line doesnt wash with me. Let's see how well they fix it when the vehicle goes back in to them. Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts.
Name and shame: in case I have to go legal with them, I want to avoid an own goal by naming them at this stage.
I looked around their entire car park / showroom and I didnt see a single tailgate like this so the 'factory specs' line doesnt wash with me. Let's see how well they fix it when the vehicle goes back in to them. Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts.
When I had my T6, the dealer damaged the tailgate and it had to be replaced with a new one. On picking it up from panel shop , I could hear it squeaking when cornering. After a careful inspection , it was confirmed that the tailgate was slightly out of alignment..not as far out as yours, but enough to cause the squeak. The panel shop apologised and corrected it via the top hinges. I suggest you tell them to align it correctly....that is rubbish about factory specs.
