Cheap Volkswagen LT Rear Tailgate

The Volkswagen LT ran across two distinct generations: the first-generation LT (Mk1) was produced from 1975 to 1996, and the second-generation LT (Mk2) ran from 1996 to 2006 when the model was replaced by the Crafter. These two generations are completely different vehicles on different platforms, so a tailgate from a Mk1 will not fit a Mk2 or vice versa — always make sure you and your breaker are clear on which generation you need before proceeding.

The LT Mk2 ran from 1996 to 2006 as a single generation, so in principle the body structure is shared across those years; however, whether pressing or panel changes were made at any point during that production run is something you should confirm with the breaker against your exact registration rather than assume. Give your breaker your vehicle's VIN or reg so they can match the part properly rather than going on year alone.

Yes, this is one of the most important fitment questions for any van rear end: barn-door variants and tailgate variants have fundamentally different rear apertures and bodywork, and the parts are not interchangeable between the two configurations. When contacting a breaker, be clear upfront that your van has a single lifting tailgate rather than twin barn doors, as both configurations were available on the LT and a breaker needs to match this exactly.

Wheelbase is a key fitment factor for vans like the LT, which was available in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase variants — and in the case of the Mk2 also with different roof height options — because these configurations can affect the rear body dimensions. Always tell your breaker your wheelbase and roof height alongside your registration so they can confirm the tailgate from their donor vehicle matches your van's configuration.

Trim level does not affect tailgate fitment on the LT — the panel itself is determined by generation, wheelbase, roof height, and whether you have a tailgate or barn-door configuration, not by specification level. You may find that higher-spec donor vans have different glass, wiper setups, or badging on the tailgate, so factor in any cosmetic differences when buying from a breaker, but the panel itself will fit regardless of trim.

The LT was sold under various names and in badge-engineered forms across different markets during its production run, and whether panel pressings or rear-end details differ between those variants is not something that can be stated with certainty here. Confirm with your breaker by checking the donor vehicle's VIN against your own registration before agreeing to buy, as subtle differences can exist even between visually similar vans.