robertmee
Full Member
Not sure the proper terminology, but I'm talking about this piece:
https://www.ebay.com/i/183152941829?chn=ps&dispItem=1
My new to me 2003, the flap is completely rusted in the 90 degree position. And every mounting tab is broken. I went to the junk yard today, and looked at three AVY's (2 2004, 1 2003), and every one had tabs broken, or the hinges seized like mine. I took one that only had two tabs broken and its hinges were somewhat movable. Hoping some epoxy to fix the tabs and penetrating oil on the hinges will help, but beyond buying a new one ($200!!), is there some tricks/fixes to make this piece more workable? The small piano hinges on something exposed to weather where moisture collects under the mat seems like a very bad idea.
EDIT: I should have searched first, but didn't know the terminology...."Midgate Flap" seems to be the ticket. Looks like most are using fiberglass or JBweld to fix the tabs. Guess I'll try the same. Wish someone had made a replacement of a better design.
However, could someone simply explain the purpose of the rubber pieces and tape? I though that was something the previous owner had added to keep the flap up, but it appears it's a factory item. Is the tape supposed to hold the flap to the backside of the midgate, and it all move as one assenbly?
https://www.ebay.com/i/183152941829?chn=ps&dispItem=1
My new to me 2003, the flap is completely rusted in the 90 degree position. And every mounting tab is broken. I went to the junk yard today, and looked at three AVY's (2 2004, 1 2003), and every one had tabs broken, or the hinges seized like mine. I took one that only had two tabs broken and its hinges were somewhat movable. Hoping some epoxy to fix the tabs and penetrating oil on the hinges will help, but beyond buying a new one ($200!!), is there some tricks/fixes to make this piece more workable? The small piano hinges on something exposed to weather where moisture collects under the mat seems like a very bad idea.
EDIT: I should have searched first, but didn't know the terminology...."Midgate Flap" seems to be the ticket. Looks like most are using fiberglass or JBweld to fix the tabs. Guess I'll try the same. Wish someone had made a replacement of a better design.
However, could someone simply explain the purpose of the rubber pieces and tape? I though that was something the previous owner had added to keep the flap up, but it appears it's a factory item. Is the tape supposed to hold the flap to the backside of the midgate, and it all move as one assenbly?