Tailgate difference between earlybays?

[sharman]

Hi, got an earlybay tailgate to replace my rusty one on my 71 Westy and noticed a difference. It may be to do with a year change, just hope it's not from a split or latebay. Anyhow I'm sure someone will know, so I've posted a few pics.

Original tailgate



And this is the replacement bought as an earlybay



Just looks like a difference in the centre section support?

 

[KateLovesPurple]

Have a look at the hinge bolt holes, different position for late bay and early bay, also I think latch is different if memory serves.

 

[lilblue1970]

Probably a silly question, but does the replacement have glass in it. The reg number may be etched on it. It is on mine.

 

[vwcanuck]

That's a late SPLIT hatch guaranteed

 

[sharman]

That's a late SPLIT hatch guaranteed

Bugger! More expense then, unless a late split tailgate is worth more :lol:

 

[sharman]

Probably a silly question, but does the replacement have glass in it. The reg number may be etched on it. It is on mine.

No glass I'm afraid. May be silly question, but is there a difference in fit between earlybay and late split?

 

[gvee]

No glass I'm afraid. May be silly question, but is there a difference in fit between earlybay and late split?

I believe there are 2 differences: the hole for the lock, and the bit where the hinges attach (EB has "floating", captive attachments, for adjustment whereas splits had fixed holes).

 

[sharman]

No glass I'm afraid. May be silly question, but is there a difference in fit between earlybay and late split?

I believe there are 2 differences: the hole for the lock, and the bit where the hinges attach (EB has "floating", captive attachments, for adjustment whereas splits had fixed holes).

Def fixed holes on my spare tailgate, not checked lock yet. So it does look like a late split :roll: appreciate everyone's feedback. Just put up for sale on the SSVC forum, hoping to cover cost of an earlybay replacement.
Cheers

 

[Fortunate Son]

Also, on EB ones, if you look closely near the inside folded lip (where the outer skin folds around the inner frame) near the catch mechanism, there should be a date stamp in a circle - about 7mm dia - it should have the month at the top and the year at the bottom.

Sometimes they are too lightly pressed and / or clogged up with paint to see.

Like this (but this one is on a wheel obviously!)

 

[aspro]

Was that the NOS tailgate Lee was selling as early bay which everyone said was late split?

 

[sharman]

Was that the NOS tailgate Lee was selling as early bay which everyone said was late split?

No mate, had it a couple of years at least, bought from Southern kombis I think?

 

[sharman]

Also, on EB ones, if you look closely near the inside folded lip (where the outer skin folds around the inner frame) near the catch mechanism, there should be a date stamp in a circle - about 7mm dia - it should have the month at the top and the year at the bottom.

Sometimes they are too lightly pressed and / or clogged up with paint to see.

Like this (but this one is on a wheel obviously!)

Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out

 

[yoda]

appears i to have a late split tail gate but i had fitted it before i read this thread. Does that mean it will not work? it all looks like it lines up and closes. Not fitted the lock button yet though.