Defender Pick Up Tailgate Side Open Conversion

So now ive built, fitted and tested my slide out tray the drop down tailgate is a little redundant now.

So anyone done the side conversion?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/163595240922

I know I could do it "cheap" with some hinges but this kit has an antiburst lock + flat back which i could mount a better swing away carrier on.

Or reckon the hinges would be fine with a 285/75 tyre hanging off?

Im guessing its pretty straight forward.

Not sure those hinges will last long with that tyre on them. Be better with a swing away and side open tailgate imo

flat said:

Not sure those hinges will last long with that tyre on them. Be better with a swing away and side open tailgate imo

Click to expand...

Yeah thats my concern. Was thinking i could add a third hinge in attempt to soread the load a little.

275 quid ffs I made my own out of an old rotten door replaced the rotten frame & beefed it up...……...

Did look at that method but isnt much less. New hinges are £40, new lock is £50, rotten door £50, steel another £20

£160 plus my time welding it back up.

Found the kit for £220

So ive gone for it! Got all the bits + a central locking lock mech. Sounda pointless i know but ive got a loadspace cover or a secure hood canopy so works for me.

Also asked a friend to draw up some HD security hinges for me which will be CNCd from billet Ali and hard annodized black. Would anyone be interested in a set?

They will include a grease nip at the bottom as well as a larger hinger pin so will accomodate a weight spare wheel. Also no external fixings!