b4 80 avant tailgate handle

sjp001 · 16-11-20, 01:49 PM

Hi all, I went to open the boot on my b4 80 avant and as the handle pulled there was a snap and the handle is loose and doesn't open the boot now. Presume easiest to swap out the handle mechanism with a new one... Would anyone happen to have one for sale? Many thanks!

tractor Dave · 16-11-20, 03:17 PM

It's unlikely to have snapped. It's a hefty handle.
More likely the mechanism has worked loose. There are two Allen bolts that can work loose which makes the handle floppy and inoperative.
Now for the fun bit. If you can't open the tailgate from the outside, you will need to remove the tailgate cover from the inside! It's not easy but apparently it can be done without too much damage. Then you can reach the two rods that operate the lock release (one either side).
I do have a spare handle but it's been trimmed for a 90 style light surround. I also have a spare inner tailgate cover if you damage yours. Good luck

sjp001 · 16-11-20, 04:56 PM

Dave that's so helpful of you, thank you so much for taking the time and trouble!!

Will take a look - I've had to have the cover off before but of course I could do it with the boot open and recall the bottom plastic handle has screws on the underside that I won't be able to get off. Imagine if I pry the top section off I might be able to reach in enough to open it. Will update!

sjp001 · 19-11-20, 05:43 PM

Ok I had a moment to look at this. Got the boot open and found the problem. A few years ago someone rear ended my car and I had to have a new tailgate fitted. The bodyshop I used switched over all the trim (the used tailgate I found had none) and I did notice a few bits of slightly sloppy work at the time. It looks like they broke one side of the hinge for the handle and have wired it together, which has allowed play and caused excess stress on the side of the handle with the lever, so the plastic connection to the lever has snapped. Pics attached...

So I'm still looking for a replacement handle assembly if anyone has one at all?

tractor Dave · 19-11-20, 07:29 PM

Send me a pm. I will dig mine out

sjp001 · 19-11-20, 09:18 PM

You legend Dave, many thanks!

sjp001 · 24-11-20, 11:47 AM

Had a slight issue as the handle is broken on mine and Dave's one is cut a little. Don't suppose anyone else has one? If not then I'll be in touch Dave as may be better to repair my handle and fit to yours.

Thanks all!

sjp001 · 18-12-20, 07:09 PM

Dave,

Had a chance to see what could be done here and my broken trim plus your cut handle ended up working out. There was still a slot on your handle for me to fit the tab on my trim to, so I fitted a couple of stainless screws plus epoxied the lot and I'll be surprised if it gives me any more trouble. Discovered the garage that broke my original handle had also bent all the connecting rods about for the locks, presumably due to the slop they introduced when they broke the handle and didn't want to take the time to adjust using the screws... so took a load of fiddling to get the boot opening and locking correctly.

Anyway thanks so much for all your help, and the mechanism on yours looked to be in really good nick compared to some of the others you pointed out. Problem solved!

tractor Dave · 18-12-20, 07:22 PM

Excellent. Glad it worked out and always happy to help

16-11-20, 03:17 PM	#2
tractor Dave Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Wales Posts: 1,157	It's unlikely to have snapped. It's a hefty handle. More likely the mechanism has worked loose. There are two Allen bolts that can work loose which makes the handle floppy and inoperative. Now for the fun bit. If you can't open the tailgate from the outside, you will need to remove the tailgate cover from the inside! It's not easy but apparently it can be done without too much damage. Then you can reach the two rods that operate the lock release (one either side). I do have a spare handle but it's been trimmed for a 90 style light surround. I also have a spare inner tailgate cover if you damage yours. Good luck

16-11-20, 04:56 PM	#3
sjp001 Grown up member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 62	Dave that's so helpful of you, thank you so much for taking the time and trouble!! Will take a look - I've had to have the cover off before but of course I could do it with the boot open and recall the bottom plastic handle has screws on the underside that I won't be able to get off. Imagine if I pry the top section off I might be able to reach in enough to open it. Will update!

19-11-20, 07:29 PM	#5
tractor Dave Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Wales Posts: 1,157	Send me a pm. I will dig mine out

19-11-20, 09:18 PM	#6
sjp001 Grown up member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 62	You legend Dave, many thanks!

18-12-20, 07:22 PM	#9
tractor Dave Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Wales Posts: 1,157	Excellent. Glad it worked out and always happy to help