73-87 Tailgate Won't Open

hotrodpc · 05-21-2009, 10:25 PM

So the tailgate was open when I looked at this truck. To tow it home and nothing fly out the back, I shut the tailgate. As pretty as it is, it will not open using the latch after I got it home. I figure someone has experienced this before, and before I start tearing it apart, thought I'd ask for some tips and advice. Thanks members !!!

crabtruck · 05-22-2009, 01:35 AM

Fell for the old "shut the gate" trick huh ?
Needs to be demagnetized.

Or if you can tell: if one side holding may have dropped an arm,
if two sides holding, may have sticky cams on handle (wd40?).
Depending on how the liner is set up in the bed,
you may be able to pry the latches from the "front" or bed side of gate
with a small screwdriver. My experience is usually a dirty handle issue.
Sometimes I can just snag the rods sneaking around the handle.

leolkfrm · 05-22-2009, 05:16 AM

^^^sounds about right, except I don't like wd40, prefer khrol, 50-5, blaster...

hotrodpc · 05-22-2009, 09:13 AM

There is no liner in it, so it should be easy to pry open. I think its hung on both sides and I can feel the latch is connected to something, so it must be the sticky cams. I'll give it a try when I get a chance.

smilexelectric · 05-22-2009, 08:22 PM

I just replaced the handle on my tailgate, i have no clue why the old one wasn't working.

hotrodpc · 05-22-2009, 08:32 PM

I got it open very easy with a screwdriver to push the passenger side catch open manually. The handle operates the left side, but not the right side, so maybe one of the rod has come disconnected. An easy fix I hope.

crabtruck · 05-22-2009, 10:14 PM

For the tailgates, LMC catalog is almost the same as a shop manual.

hotrodpc · 05-22-2009, 10:59 PM

Cool, thanks Crab, I'll be checking it out.

crabtruck · 05-22-2009, 11:16 PM

Don't forget about the demagnetizing, that's a critical step.
Also, a lot of guys use whiskey in the colder parts of country.
Brrr, feels nippy, don't it ?

hotrodpc · 05-22-2009, 11:43 PM

Yep. I think my thermometer is broke. It looks to show about 82, but it dang sure is cold. I'm about to freeze over here. Nothing some whisky and nice women couldn't fix for me. But if had that, I have a feeling the tailgate won't be getting fixed. Might just have to leave it down anyway and won't need to shut it.

05-21-2009, 10:25 PM	#1
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,149	73-87 Tailgate Won't Open So the tailgate was open when I looked at this truck. To tow it home and nothing fly out the back, I shut the tailgate. As pretty as it is, it will not open using the latch after I got it home. I figure someone has experienced this before, and before I start tearing it apart, thought I'd ask for some tips and advice. Thanks members !!! Attached Thumbnails __________________ *Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!* Last edited by hotrodpc; 05-22-2009 at 05:06 AM.

05-22-2009, 05:16 AM	#3
leolkfrm Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.Y. Posts: 4,300	^^^sounds about right, except I don't like wd40, prefer khrol, 50-5, blaster... __________________ 4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul B.W.A.I

05-22-2009, 09:13 AM	#4
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,149	There is no liner in it, so it should be easy to pry open. I think its hung on both sides and I can feel the latch is connected to something, so it must be the sticky cams. I'll give it a try when I get a chance. __________________ *Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!*

05-22-2009, 08:32 PM	#6
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,149	I got it open very easy with a screwdriver to push the passenger side catch open manually. The handle operates the left side, but not the right side, so maybe one of the rod has come disconnected. An easy fix I hope. __________________ *Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!*

05-22-2009, 10:59 PM	#8
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,149	Cool, thanks Crab, I'll be checking it out. __________________ *Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!*

05-22-2009, 01:35 AM	#2
crabtruck Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: on your 9 Posts: 3,364	Fell for the old "shut the gate" trick huh ? Needs to be demagnetized. Or if you can tell: if one side holding may have dropped an arm, if two sides holding, may have sticky cams on handle (wd40?). Depending on how the liner is set up in the bed, you may be able to pry the latches from the "front" or bed side of gate with a small screwdriver. My experience is usually a dirty handle issue. Sometimes I can just snag the rods sneaking around the handle.

05-22-2009, 08:22 PM	#5
smilexelectric Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Greensburg, PA Posts: 439	I just replaced the handle on my tailgate, i have no clue why the old one wasn't working.

05-22-2009, 10:14 PM	#7
crabtruck Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: on your 9 Posts: 3,364	For the tailgates, LMC catalog is almost the same as a shop manual.

05-22-2009, 11:16 PM	#9
crabtruck Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: on your 9 Posts: 3,364	Don't forget about the demagnetizing, that's a critical step. Also, a lot of guys use whiskey in the colder parts of country. Brrr, feels nippy, don't it ?

05-22-2009, 11:43 PM	#10
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,149	Yep. I think my thermometer is broke. It looks to show about 82, but it dang sure is cold. I'm about to freeze over here. Nothing some whisky and nice women couldn't fix for me. But if had that, I have a feeling the tailgate won't be getting fixed. Might just have to leave it down anyway and won't need to shut it. __________________ *Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!*

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tailgate????	stepsidejay	Chevy Truck Forum	11	04-15-2009 09:06 AM
anyone have a tailgate that will fit an 02?	lauren	Dodge Truck Forum	1	03-27-2009 08:09 PM
Tailgate Sizes?	Mopar426Hemi	General Truck Forum	4	05-18-2008 06:32 PM
Tailgate Question	bizz1441	Chevy Truck Forum	11	12-31-2007 12:39 PM
tailgate	PickUpGirl787	Chevy Truck Forum	5	03-25-2007 09:10 PM