Just purchased 2002 e825-4 where to start rejuvenation?

My Trunkback was rattling and I noticed the foam bumpers were compressed and not touching the GEM body. I tried to get the Trunkback off but the handle fully turned did not release it. I had to remove the seat back. 2 lower hex head screws and then had to remove the 2 brake light covers followed by 2 Philips screws each which were screwed into the plywood seat back. Lifted out easily then.

I lubed the latch and noticed the handle didn’t pull the linkage far enough. One turnbuckle end had pulled open. Pliers were used to close the turnbuckle loop and the latch worked as expected.

NOTE, releave tension on the latch when turning the handle.

As for the foam bumpers, I used some Goop Glue and glued 2 layers of foam sheet to the end. Will see how long it lasts. It makes a significant improvement in lowering the ride noise.