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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Beginner / Repair => Topic started by: zukiguy on September 17, 2009, 09:29:59 AM

Title: Tailgate Hinges
Post by: zukiguy on September 17, 2009, 09:29:59 AM

The top tailgate hinge is tearing out of the body on my '88 samurai.
Does anyone know of a fix for this.
I know that it's the big tire causing it.

Title: Re: Tailgate Hinges
Post by: Drone637 on September 18, 2009, 01:05:39 PM

Easiest fix would probably be to weld the hinge to the body.  An alternative would be to remove the hinges and weld a bracing place to that section of the body and put the hinges back on.

Title: Re: Tailgate Hinges
Post by: zukiguy on September 19, 2009, 12:24:42 PM

Thanks Drone637
That makes sense to me. I had the body mounting plate brazed back in once. The body metal is so thin that it's hard to weld to. I Think that a larger reinforceing plate welded to the outside would be a good solution. I really want to carry that spare tire. Thae rocks around here are sharp.

Title: Re: Tailgate Hinges
Post by: Drone637 on September 19, 2009, 03:03:17 PM

You might want to look at just building a rear bumper with a built on tire mount instead.  I moved mine into the back as I have a rear seat.  Another club member has his built onto the roll cage, more of a baja style.