I am about to remove the tailgate/liftgate/rear hatch and replace it with another one.

Because I am doing this removal process by myself, the removal instructions indicated two people in the removal process. Can I do this removal of the tailgate by myself? I have a cherry picker/engine hoist that would assist me in balancing the tailgate on to my 1994 Mercedes E320 wagon. How heavy is this tailgate/liftgate/rear hatch by itself?

Have anyone out there done this before? Comments, advice and/or feedback is greatly appreciated.

Some perspective...I could lift and carry around a W123 tailgate with glass that was off the car. There is no chance I could have removed or installed it alone. Working with a cherry picker may work; but, I'd redundantly secure every lifting/rigging.

The challenge will be getting the opening angle correct to start the hinge bolts and preventing sway/swing. Try using twine in one bolt on each side to try to pull the holes close to alignment and then push a tapered punch into the hole with the twine to start the alignment. Another way to start alignments is to use the longest bolts or threaded rod that will fit started in one hole. I think it can be done with persistence and ingenuity.

Good luck!!!

__________________
"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Sugar Bear, thanks for the post. Very interesting idea using the twine. Will follow up as soon as I finish the brake bleeder issues.

I have 2 Mercedes E320 wagons. One is damaged and the other one is in good working condition, just minor repairs. The one is in good working condition, the liftgate glass was destroyed and I have a replacement glass now. The problem is that I need Window Frame, part number 124-740-00-56, Molding - Left Mercedes-Benz (124-745-01-55-7129), Molding - Right Mercedes-Benz (124-745-02-55-7129), and Joint - Mercedes-Benz (124-745-00-80-7129), 2 pieces for the top and the bottom.

On the Diagram shows:Does the 1994 Mercedes E320 wagon needs glue to secure the liftgate rear/back window

2. Window Frame, part number 124-740-00-56

3. Molding - Left Mercedes-Benz (124-745-01-55-7129), Molding -Right Mercedes-Benz (124-745-02-55-7129),

4. Joint - 2 pieces, Mercedes-Benz (124-745-00-80-7129)

Those items listed in the diagram are needed to be a complete kit for the window to be secured in its place. I am debating myself whether to remove the liftgate and transfer to other wagon or remove the Window Frame, molding and joint to put on the working wagon that has the glass. Can those 3 items be reusable? I am afraid that I might damage those 3 parts if I try to remove them from the other damaged wagon.

Mercedes parts websites online
do not carry the items above and listed these parts for sale. Why listed parts for sale when there is no parts available?

I am just trying to cover all the bases and exploring what are my options here. Any feedback, comments, advice is greatly appreciated.