RobV8Defender

Active Member

• Feb 8, 2024

• #1

Hi All,

Just a for information only. Both my new car and the donor car had non-operating tailgate switches for the interior light.

Both had aluminium tailgates fitted and when closed they would not open the switch. So I purchased the correct part with the little 90 deg feature on it - and it still would not open the switch.

Salvation came in the form of the newer designed switch PRC8548 - it has a longer post on it and works a charm.

Posting in case anyone else has this problem.

 

R

Ratae

Well-Known Member

• Feb 8, 2024

• #2

If you don't already know always close the ally ones by pressing on the lower corners, not the centre.
Unlike the steel ones they can bow slightly & you then start wondering why the catches don't engage as well.

 

RobV8Defender

Active Member

• Feb 8, 2024

• #3

Many thanks - I wish the previous owner had known that!

Do you know if they ever bend back in? I have adjusted the catches as best I can and even moved the lower tailgate in a little - so now at least they both do latch correctly.

 

R

Ratae

Well-Known Member

• Feb 9, 2024

• #4

I believe it is possible to straighten it, there was a 'how to' on another forum but I can't remember which one.
Involved putting a long piece of wood against the bottom centre of the top tailgate & the other end on the ground/opened bottom tailgate & pressing down on the bottom corners.
Never had to do it & I can't say I have any desire to want to as I'd be worried about breaking the glass although a careful go might be worth a try.
Mine's the Famous Four which came as a kit so - assuming I could get the fastenings out after all this time - I'd be dismantling the frame & taking the glass out.

 

classic kev

Well-Known Member

• Feb 9, 2024

• #5

Ratae said:

If you don't already know always close the ally ones by pressing on the lower corners, not the centre.
Unlike the steel ones they can bow slightly & you then start wondering why the catches don't engage as well.

Click to expand...

Hahaha, that made me chuckle. I certainly remember to close the aluminium top tailgate required a firm push on the centre handle and an equally firm hand on the bottom right corner, glad I don't have to do that any more.

 

norseman

Well-Known Member

• Feb 9, 2024

• #6

Firmly pressing the bottom corners until each of the latches click is the technique I always use on a standard steel 'gate.
Don't think I'd want an alloy example as I've read too many comments about lack of rigidity.