Vehicle body with pre-hung midgate panel

The present invention relates to a vehicle body having a midgate panel which is pre-hung on a structural ring for installation in a body opening between a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment. A vehicle body includes a first compartment for carrying passengers or cargo and second compartment for carrying cargo rearwardly adjacent to the first compartment. The body includes a plurality of body components defining an opening between the first and second compartments. A structural support ring is attached in the opening and includes a pivotable midgate panel preassembled to the support ring to ease installation. At least one hinge is pivotably connected between the midgate panel and the support ring. At least one latch selectively secures the midgate panel in an upright closed position.