It's finally good to hear from someone. I'm always one here while I'm at work as I don't have my computer up yet at home. Sorry to hear about your cladding issues, wish I could hand down some advise but have done a search yet? About the plastic thing over the midgate hinges, is it like spring loaded and comes down with midgate? I had that issue and it was due to the little rubber cushions on it some how with all the heat (when I lived in Texas) melted the sticky part of the cushion to the midgate and every time I lowered it would snap just a little every time until it finally broke off and the only fix for me was to get it replaced, but I was still under warranty then. Try the local junkyards to see if they have any AV's. I wish I could have been a bigger help, good luck with the project and keep us posted as to what caused it and your fix for it. Good luck kausboy.