'85 Resurrection

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Sep 3, 2013 | 03:02 PM

apt403

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'85 Resurrection

Resurrecting an 'ol 6.9 - The tailgate no longer has a handle, and one of the two metal bars that pull the release mechanism on either side of the gate has come undone, somehow. One side releases the mechanism, but the other side pulls nothing.

Anyone have an idea on how I could get this tailgate down? I can work a metal bar into the side of the tailgate, but I can't seem to push it in far enough to get the mechanism to unlatch. I'm taking the tailgate off and replacing it with some webbing until I can pick up an '87+ tailgate (seems like Ford changed the tailgate design after that to incorporate a nice access panel on the back of the gate).

Any advice would be appreciated - My current thoughts involve getting in the back of the bed and performing some variant of the Flying Superman Kick.

EDIT: Changed title to reflect current issue - Felt starting a new thread would clutter things.

Sep 3, 2013 | 06:39 PM

CountryBumkin

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From: Orlando area

Quote:

Originally Posted by apt403

If the linkage came undone at the handle end you can unbolt the handle pull it out enough to remove the remaining linkage and remove the handle completely then fish out (grab hold of) the linkage then give it a pull with vise-grips. If it came undone a the "latch end" of the linkage you are in for some work. If the tail gate is junk (rusted out) you could cut a hole in the tailgate right at the latch mechanism and work the latch threw the hole.

Sep 4, 2013 | 12:52 PM

Grubbworm

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From: Acworth, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by apt403

Where are you located? Maybe someone from the forum lives close enough to you to lend a hand.

Sep 4, 2013 | 01:24 PM

apt403

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Grubbworm

Where are you located? Maybe someone from the forum lives close enough to you to lend a hand.

Redding, CA - 'Bout as far north into California one may get. Colloquially referred to as Jefferson State.

Got the bed down - I was getting the chop saw ready when I decided to try to unlatch it one more time. A pair of thin needle nose and some finagling did the job.

Now for the fuel return o-rings! Replaced some leaky fuel line and wonked plastic tees yesterday - the o-rings were so brittle they snapped in half while I was removing them. Figure I'll do 'em all in one shot.

Eventually I'll get around to the side mirror mounts - The OP enjoyed using self-drilling wood screws for automotive applications.

Sep 4, 2013 | 02:03 PM

Grubbworm

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From: Acworth, GA

I have a picture of what it should look like where the handle attaches to the rods,

The rods clip on with these yellow clips, they are still available through some dealerships.

I don't know if this will help you or not. The rods pull towards the opposite sides when the handle is pulled.

Sep 4, 2013 | 11:43 PM

apt403

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Thanks for the pics, Grubbworm - I'm planning on taking the tailgate apart tomorrow, those pictures should come in handy. Seems like I could grab a set of those little clips from the scrap yard, if I can't find new replacements locally.

So I've got the o-rings to do, gotta fix the tailgate, changing the brake pads & fluid tomorrow, and I'm leaking diesel from somewhere above the starter. Not sure where yet, just noticed a small puddle on the concrete underneath the truck. With o-rings and less fuel pouring out the bottom of the truck, I bet my mileage will improve a bit.