99 4door liftgate hinge point welds

[Scota4570]

I got taken on a used 99. I bought it from someone who I thought was a friend. I have had the car for three days.

The issue is that the liftgate does not open and close properly. It can not be adjusted operate properly. The problem is that the welds on the part where the right hinge attaches is broken. The backer plate is loose, The remaining metal is flexing and cracked. I do not believe welding will fix it. It will just make a mess. the top of the gate is too far aft on both sides.

He refused to admit a pre-existing problem or take any responsibility. I can't sue, we are in a club that I don't want to leave. If I found a parts car with a doner gate the paint and electrics will be a pain. A new gate shell is expensive. Having a body shop do it will be very expensive.

Please help I need suggestions?

 

[Rich-]

post up a few pics, it will help us come up with a solution

 

[Scota4570]

Thanks,

I decided to sell somethng to finance haveing a body shop do it. I don't have the time to do this kind of work anymore. It got real involved. I would have to buy a new liftgate, paint, hinges, transfer parts, it is real heavy and I have no helper.

The damage appears to be from backing into a fixed object. The bumper is barley touched. The momentum of the heavy gate trashed the hinges and cracked the welds. A pretty poor design, IMHO.