A vehicle includes a roof ditch extending longitudinally, a first trim component covering a first portion of the roof ditch, a hinge mounted to a second portion of the roof ditch and connected to a liftgate, and a second trim component supported for pivotal movement. The second trim component covers the second portion of the roof ditch and at least a portion of the hinge. The roof ditch is formed by layers including at least one of a roof, a body side, and a reinforcement. The first trim component may be a molding and/or a roof rail covering the first portion of the roof ditch. A related method of adjusting a liftgate includes the steps of applying a force to a first end of a trim component in a closed position sufficient to overcome a holding force of a fastener, pivoting the first end of the trim component to an open position to reveal a hinge fastened to a roof ditch and the liftgate, loosening at least one fastener, adjusting the liftgate, tightening the at least one fastener, and returning the trim component to the closed position.
HINGE COVER FOR A DITCH MOUNTED LIFTGATE ASSEMBLY
2018-04-19
Patent
Electronic Resource
English