Rear tailgate
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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Rear tailgate
Ok just a dumb question. I am looking at buying a 1980 Ford Bronco 4x4 with the 351 W. I took it for a test drive today and it goes pretty nicely. The interior is beat up, but it runs pretty good. The engine is strong, no leaks. I had it running for about 20 mins and the temp was in the low normal range. And the heater worked good! The guy was asking $650. But I have him down to $300! 
But my question is, neither him or I could figure out how to open the rear tailgate. It looked liked the window needed rolled down first, but there is not latch. Just a key hole. Just couldn't figure it out. This wasn't his truck, he got it in a trade. Just curious. Thanks
But my question is, neither him or I could figure out how to open the rear tailgate. It looked liked the window needed rolled down first, but there is not latch. Just a key hole. Just couldn't figure it out. This wasn't his truck, he got it in a trade. Just curious. Thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 3
From: Bismarck, ND
The latch should be in the form of a pull handle on the inside of the gate. The keyhole is a switch used to lower the glass (if it works) so that you can then pull the handle and lower the gate. There will also be a rear window switch next to the air conditioning controls.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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So basically you lower the window and then have to reach in to pull the latch? The key hole thing didn't work. How easy is that to fix? Its kinda important that I have that tailgate open up for what I will be using the truck for. Thanks So is $300 a good deal?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 3
From: Bismarck, ND
Hey.... if it runs and drives, give him $300 for it! Just know that you may be forced to put more into it to get things working, fixed, or like you want it (Getting attached to it could cost considerably more!). The key switch could be anything from the key switch, itself, to severed wires running from the truck body through the gate on the driver's side, to a faulty or misadjusted limit switch inside the gate, to a blown fuse. Check and see if the dash switch works, if it doesn't, the motor / regulator could even be shot (around a $70.00 part, aftermarket). Do a search in this forum using words like "tailgate switch" or "rear window". There are a ton of posts on the board on how to troubleshoot and/or replace components relating to the rear window. Hope this helps!
