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Montana SV6/Uplander Dents in Rear Hatch

2 messages,  Last post on Oct 03, 2007 at 9:54 PM

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What is this discussion about? Pontiac Montana SV6, Chevrolet Uplander, Auto Body, Van

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#1 of 2 Montana SV6/Uplander Dents in Rear Hatch by tomasulo

Oct 01, 2007 (5:50 pm)

We have a 2005 Montana SV6, and noticed a small indent in the rear hatch to the left of the license plate area after we bought it used. I had a business trip and we had to rent two Montanas, which were 2006's last week, and both had similar dents on opposite sides, also near the plate areas. Does anyone know what is causing this?? Could it be not enough framing or hollow area in the hatch when it was manufacured?? This doesn't seem to be a case where the hatch has been opened and hit something, nor do they seem like dents from an object hitting the hatch. It almost looks as if the metal has sunk in. If anyone can help or enlighten me to these odd dents, that would be great.

#2 of 2 Re: Montana SV6/Uplander Dents in Rear Hatch [tomasulo] by writer

Oct 03, 2007 (9:54 pm)

Replying to: tomasulo (Oct 01, 2007 5:50 pm)
Your message worried me, so I have been looking around at all the GM Minivans for the last couple of days, including my own. I have not seen any dents like those you have described. And I mean none at all, after seeing maybe 50 or so minivans. So I do not think that there is a general flaw in the design. However, if the dent was there before you took possession of the vehicle, then you should have pointed it out when you picked it up and requested that it be fixed or replaced. And if you are convinced that there is a flaw in the design or manufacture of your particular door, you should also ask for a replacement.
 
It is possible that a small number of vehicles will have a particular flaw, and that they are all sold to the same dealership, or end up in the same town. You might have spotted something like that.
 
As for whether the metal is particularly weak, that is an interesting question. Some of the body panels (and other parts) of the minivans are aluminum. I do not know if the rear door is aluminum, but it might be. If so, then they should have been properly designed to make sure that the final part is not too weak. But as I have just said, it is possible an error was made in a particular batch, and such problems can happen.

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