Liftgate Removal

[Rahilio310]

Need to fix a dent in my tailgate/liftgate and wanted to remove the whole door and give it to the body shop instead of leaving my car there (so they don't tamper with or damage any other part). Does any one have a diagram or instructions on how to remove it ?

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[markboris]

The liftgate is extremely heavy so make sure you have 1-2 persons helping you with this.

Personally, I would not remove it. I would let the shop handle it.

 

[RickMachE]

I cannot imagine removing it for a dent.

 

[Rahilio310]

Wow thank you I've been trying to figure this out for a week lol

 

[Rahilio310]

I cannot imagine removing it for a dent.

The car was hit in the back and made a palm size dip that needs to be pulled and straightened out again and many body shops don't want to deal with it since the tailgate is abs plastic or whatever they call it

 

[RickMachE]

The car was hit in the back and made a palm size dip that needs to be pulled and straightened out again and many body shops don't want to deal with it since the tailgate is abs plastic or whatever they call it

Which still doesn't justify removing it.

 

[Skip Towne]

I'd find a body shop you can trust.

It's a lot easier and in all likelihood - will have a better overall outcome. Your plan offers way to many opportunities for things to go wrong.

 

[ArthurDOB]

Which still doesn't justify removing it.

@Rahilio310
Exactly. Why does it even need to come off?

 

[HuntingPudel]

Wait. The liftgate itself is metal. If the plastic filler panel is dented, a replacement panel can be ordered, painted, and installed. If the metal is dented, it will have to either be fixed or replaced. Which part is damaged? ??

 

[Monke]

Let's say a customer gets the lift gate back and install it then see water intrusion from the lift gate. The situation can be complicated.

 

[Rahilio310]

The liftgate is plastic atleast it is on the 2021. The car was bought in auction so it is not registered or driveable yet and don't feel like towing it to every body shop for a quote. So far through pictures most don't want to deal with it specifically because it's plastic and requires pulling so I thought taking it off and showing the shops in person they have can get a better look at it. Just don't want to spend $600-$700 bucks on a used liftgate so tryna see if I can save some money lol

 

[Rahilio310]

Let's say a customer gets the lift gate back and install it then see water intrusion from the lift gate. The situation can be complicated.

True, I'll give it a go tomorrow and if it becomes too complicated I guess I'll just tow it somewere and force them to pull it out at gun point ?

 

[Mach-Lee]

The liftgate is plastic atleast it is on the 2021. The car was bought in auction so it is not registered or driveable yet and don't feel like towing it to every body shop for a quote. So far through pictures most don't want to deal with it specifically because it's plastic and requires pulling so I thought taking it off and showing the shops in person they have can get a better look at it. Just don't want to spend $600-$700 bucks on a used liftgate so tryna see if I can save some money lol

You can take the interior covers off and get to that from the back side. Yes it's a plastic/fiberglass material. I'd try a heat gun and popping it out from the back (don't melt it). If that doesn't work, then you're looking at either filling it with body filler and painting, or replacing the whole tailgate since you can't really pull dents out of plastic.

Removing the tailgate is a major PIA because then you have to get it perfectly aligned again on install which is a big pain, trust me. They can easily work on that with the tailgate on the car.

 

[RickMachE]

The liftgate is plastic atleast it is on the 2021. The car was bought in auction so it is not registered or driveable yet and don't feel like towing it to every body shop for a quote. So far through pictures most don't want to deal with it specifically because it's plastic and requires pulling so I thought taking it off and showing the shops in person they have can get a better look at it. Just don't want to spend $600-$700 bucks on a used liftgate so tryna see if I can save some money lol

Might have started with that.

 

[Gratefulone420]

If you're afraid the shop will damage or tamper with other parts, your best bet is to find another body shop.
Things like that are a huge pain to get alligned right when you put it back on

Need to fix a dent in my tailgate/liftgate and wanted to remove the whole door and give it to the body shop instead of leaving my car there (so they don't tamper with or damage any other part). Does any one have a diagram or instructions on how to remove it ?

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