Rear hatch / lift gate

[dpeters71single]

I have a question for you all. My brother has a 73 westy ( I know it's not a low-light..but my question remains ).

His rear hatch/ lift gate has had a bad rear window seal for a decade or so and has rotted the rear panel bad enough to require replacement.

I have sourced a rear hatch/ lift gate from a '71 Bus in perfect condition. Will the '71 panel fit the '73 body?

I have a suspicion that it will..I just don't want to buy the panel and then find it won't fit the bus it is destined for.

Thanks.

- Doug

 

[the_troupster]

It will bolt up and fit. The lock mech changed one year though and I can't recall off hand what year that was. That will be the only differance if any. Hopefully someone will be able to confirm.

Jim

 

[gvee]

I disagree. The hinge pattern is different on early and lates. My 1972 crossover required the later style

 

[bertiethebus]

Whs,,,,,
My pal had a xover n an early hatxh was not the same hinge size

 

[67panel]

yes the hinges and locks changed so you can get the toast in :lol: :lol:

 

[the_troupster]

Ahh righto. I stand corrected.

Jim

 

[vandaddy71]

ey up.
hoping someone can help, we recently re skinned the hatch on our '71.
unfortunately the little arm on our lock barrel that moves the mechanism got lost and i was hoping someone would know where to get a new one.
the only ones i can find are for a late bay.
a picture of the arm would be a massive help too, that way i can maybe fab some up
any help appreciated
Van Daddy