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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: kgrantkey on August 15, 2014, 09:31:10 pm

Title: Tailgate latch need help
Post by: kgrantkey on August 15, 2014, 09:31:10 pm
Best way to fix. Another tailgate?(http://)


Must pull the coat hanger for the tailgate to release
Title: Re: Tailgate latch need help
Post by: kgrantkey on August 15, 2014, 10:03:00 pm
Here is my 1st try at sewing. Found this machine in the basement and watched a few utubes and gave it a try. I had nothing to lose the seat was ripped to shreds.
Title: Re: Tailgate latch need help
Post by: bake74 on August 16, 2014, 01:21:38 am
Quote from: kgrantkey on August 15, 2014, 09:31:10 pm
Best way to fix. Another tailgate?(http://)


Must pull the coat hanger for the tailgate to release

     Are you asking how to fix this ?  Most likely the rods broke or came off.
Title: Re: Tailgate latch need help
Post by: DnStClr on August 16, 2014, 09:14:14 am
Quote
Here is my 1st try at sewing.
???? ::)
Title: Re: Tailgate latch need help
Post by: bake74 on August 16, 2014, 12:16:52 pm
Quote from: DnStClr on August 16, 2014, 09:14:14 am
Quote
Here is my 1st try at sewing.
???? ::)

     He must be referring to reupholstering the seat.
Title: Re: Tailgate latch need help
Post by: kgrantkey on August 16, 2014, 06:11:22 pm
Quote
He must be referring to reupholstering the seat.

Yes I was and it turned out very good. But I need help with my tailgate.

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My 1st, and main post is asking if you can take apart the tailgate to replace whatever is broken, that made the previous owner install that piece of coat hanger to release the locking latch on the passenger side. Pulling the handle does nothing to that side.

It does look like a rod has come lose at the handle but pulling on it has no effect as though it is no longer attached to the locking latch on the passenger side.

  The previous owner had to get into it some how to attach the coat hanger.
Title: Re: Tailgate latch need help
Post by: bake74 on August 16, 2014, 09:35:23 pm
     If I remember right, the ends where the tailgate latch goes comes off, then the 3 bolts in the middle pic is to loosen up the handle assy, then you can have access to all the parts.
Title: Re: Tailgate latch need help
Post by: bd on August 16, 2014, 11:12:00 pm
You'll need a couple of new rod retainers (http://www.classicparts.com/1982-98-Tailgate-Latch-Rod-Retainer-each/productinfo/11-3683/#.U_ApLKNRmSo) (pictured); and possibly new rods (http://www.classicparts.com/1981-91-Tailgate-Latch-Rods-Fleetside-pair/productinfo/11-354/#) if the right side rod is missing or broken.  The three screws you are pointing out in your image retain the handle to the tailgate.
Title: Re: Tailgate latch need help
Post by: kgrantkey on August 17, 2014, 02:17:46 pm
Thanks for the link and advise. Much appreciated. :)