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Recently picked up an 81 F150 XLT, and bought new replacement tail lights.
However, the tail gate handle is busted and doesn't open the tail gate to get to the final 2 screws to release the light.
Searched the FAQ, read through the tail gate swap thread and did find anything searching through old forums.
Is there a way to manually open or release the tail gate sans handle working?
There is 2 rods that connect in the handle area. Lift the handle and look in there for them. Clamp a vice grip on each one and pull tword the center. This should disengage the latches. Ill see if i can find a pic of the innards to help you understand.
#5 is the rods your looking to grab. #8 is the rocker or roll over bracket that rotates when you lift the handle. This is probably where your problem is. The rods either slipped out or the bracket is broken because its plastic.
Ard i dont think the 80-86 had the access cover. My gate was busted and rusted so i tossed it when i got my truck but i dont recall seeing the panel and im not finding a replacement part until 87.
Im not that tech savvy. But ive played with enough vehicles to have a working knowledge of most of them. With that and these pics i can usually figure out how some things work. The rest? Well im glad i found this group cause yall have taught me ALOT !!
80-86, no access panel. Remove the 3 cap screws that hold the handle in place, and snake the handle down to a point where you can reach the rods with pliers, as previously stated. If the rods are broken, or fell inside, you're going to have to take an old screwdriver or piece of stiff metal and bend it in such a way that you can sneak it between the latch and bedside to push the latch clear of the stop (which I have had to do) ~Bill
