Early and late tailgate

[meggles]

Question please. Whats the difference between early and late tailgates? Can you fit early one to a late van and vice versa? Thanks

[silverbullet]

Late have a near-flush lock barrel/button.
Interchangeable afaik, just swap the lock over.

[meggles]

Thanks for that. Reason I asked is that the gap at the top of the door on the van I just bought is quite large. Just wondered if they were different in shape. I'll have a good look later. Maybe wants fitting properly. Thanks again.

[silverbullet]

Strictly post- 85 here, so I wouldnt know otherwise!

[Jawin89]

I have an early tailgate on my late van (89) and the gap at the top is larger than previously. Hinge adjustment helps a little but not much. It does not cause any issues though and is as water tight as before.

[Ceecee85]

I've recently noticed the gap at the top of my tail gate is quite wide too.The van had a different one fitted when I bought it (there was bits of the old paint still visible). Wondered if it was the right sort that he'd put on but the gaps looks fine elsewhere generally and it keeps the water out so I'm not worrying. I would be interested to know if they're different shapes from different eras tho.