Hi all,

 

Dicky reversing sensors, halfwit driver (mea culpa!): reversed into a metal bar I didn't see poking out from a van; impaled my tailgate (mark ii estate), and the resulting deformation shattered the rear window-glass.

 

Would anyone know of any mark II estates in breakers yards or heading that way? I'm especially keen if they're in the South West.

 

I shall chase @Andacami's former steed which is in North Barnet.

 

I've had a look at the ebay options, and put a request out on a couple of breakers' yard broker sites; I'm just keen to shop around.

 

I suppose I'm also interested in acquiring some reversing sensors, if anyone knows the part number!!

 

Season's warmest, and thanks for any time and consideration anyone can give this (all tips welcome, I'm very much a lay-person when it comes to cars),

Al

P.S.: I'm happy to certify co-op cling-film for temporary use up to 70mph when used in copious quantities.

Are you not able to have said panel repaired?

there are about 3 eBay auction tailgates for sale. Watch for the corrosion around the number plate lights 

Good point, going to put it infront of a bodyshop person tomorrow morning.  I assumed as I'd holed it it would be a bit far gone, but I'd be thrilled to be told otherwise.

 

Thanks for the tip - one of them looked a bit ropey - I'll make sure I give them a good going over before I hand over any dosh, esp. the number plate lights. Thanks!

It's repairable but the cost of a new rear screen fitted will bump it right up, for an insurer it's still probably the cheapest way but for DIY a second hand tailgate has to be the way if you can find one even if its the wrong colour and has to be repainted.

Edited 14 December, 20223 yr by J.R.

My first thought - how far was this metal bar projecting from the van, and was it marked / flagged in any way?

In UK, it's an offence to have projecting load without some visible marker.

Don't completely rely on rear sensors, they may not always be able to detect certain projections such as the one you encountered, especially if it's narrow.  

4 hours ago, Warrior193 said:

My first thought - how far was this metal bar projecting from the van, and was it marked / flagged in any way?

In UK, it's an offence to have projecting load without some visible marker.

Don't completely rely on rear sensors, they may not always be able to detect certain projections such as the one you encountered, especially if it's narrow.  

You're quite right; I think my brainstem has grown reliant on them, poor show! And you're very kin - thank you - but my fault entirely I think: his van was parked on private land, and the protrusion from his vehicle edge was well, not negligible, but probably would have been had I not sought it out!

I repair cars for a living (small to medium area bodywork repairs) and imo that is too badly damaged to repair satisfactorily and / or cost effectively.

 

Try www.partsgateway.co.uk

 

They are a salvage broker and will search all the salvage yards that have that part available.

 

All member salvage yards do nationwide shipping.

Edited 14 December, 20223 yr by Smart Pro

Facebook Marketplace can be a good source of spares. I found my Superb there for spares or repairs.