I am interested to know if anyone has suffered this problem and they remedied. Whilst changing the micro switch for the upper tailgate I discovered that the reinforcing bar that retains the number plate lighting panel had almost disintegrated.

In trying to removed the studs they j7st gave up a snapped. I am reluctant to remove the few remains ones until l have solution. From what I can see the studs appear to be attached to blocks which are attached directly to the glass. I am considering trying to remove the snapped ones (don't know how yet) and attempt to tac weld new studs. I am hoping I do not have to replace the entire upper tailgate. It is obvious water from the rear window gets in here and corrodes the bar (a really poor design). I have attached a couple of pictures and remain hopeful someone may have an alternative to total replacement.

You can actualy buy both those panels new from L/R around £150.00 the pair.

Cheers
Col

Last edited by Col on Sat Oct 17 2020 5:55am. Edited 1 time in total

The tailgate is aluminium so you may struggle to weld to that.

On the other hand it won’t rust.

L/R don't list new studs unfortunately, not knowing how deep the lugs are or how many there are bonded to the glass, but is there enough depth in them to possibly drill and tap a short thread in them so you could screw a piece of threaded rod into to form new studs.

Cheers
Col

I am hoping that the blocks that are bonded to the glass are metal, as opposed to ally. Hopefully I can either remove/ drill out the remainder of the studs and either re-tap using a threaded rod or tack a stud to the block. Either way once I remove the knackered bar there is no going back. If neither solution works looks like a replacement tailgate. If this is the case it will be getting a heavy dose of sealant and wax oil.

Going to take the plunge next weekend and will post how I get on.