Some of the bumpers have a groove where the rubber strip would go. Others are just flat, I'm guessing these flat ones are the HQ ones that Byron is talking about?

I'd been told that you could use longer hinges so the gate would clear the full length bumper but I'd worry about putting a dent in the gate or the bumper with dropping the metal onto metal.

Unless you want to load the van with a forklift I don't really see the need to be able to drop it all the way down. Plus, if you put a tow-bar on it you won't be able to drop it down anyway.

You're also right on with it makeing an excellent seat, even if you do have to point out to the missus that sitting on the tailgate eating an icecream is in no way 'a picnic' nor 'cute'.

How bad is your radiator support? (got a photo) surely a few hammers and a mig welder at the panel beaters would solve all your problems?

Goat

Edit, the bar above is for a hq sedan mook. The wagons had the lights the same as the van. But you can see how if you took the lights out it'd be flat.