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Ive been racking my brain and I cannot think of way to get this tail gate opened without ruining it. Backstory- I bought a recently painted bed for my project truck that was professionally done, paint and body looks great which is why Im trying to figure out a way to get this remedied without ruining paint or metal on gate.
The issue- the previous owner installed the latches, with no rods attached to them, then decided it would be a good idea to close the tail gate to check gaps on bed. Tail gate latched and there are no rods attached to unlatch it. So anyone have any tricks to unlatch them without cutting out metal to access the latch? Ive tried putting small plastic pry sticks but there is just nothing to contact and release them that I can see. Thanks in advance!
That was a senior moment. Those latch screws are #4 Phillips but you might be able to pry the tailgate to one side far enough to get a #3 Phillips in there to remove the screws.
On my #3 and #4 Phillips screwdrivers I tach weld a nut on them near the handle that way you can push with one hand and turn it with a wrench to keep the screwdriver from camming out and ruining the screw.
That was a senior moment. Those latch screws are #4 Phillips but you might be able to pry the tailgate to one side far enough to get a #3 Phillips in there to remove the screws.
On my #3 and #4 Phillips screwdrivers I tach weld a nut on them near the handle that way you can push with one hand and turn it with a wrench to keep the screwdriver from camming out and ruining the screw.
Id agree with the senior moment but the previous owner was a 20 year old kid that was trying to do it as a project before be lost interest haha. Really good kid though just had a lapse in thought for a moment. Im guessing youre referring to the portion where the tail light resides in your post and trying to unbolt the latch? I can look again but They had the gaps pretty tight, Im not sure if I have more than 1/4" on each side of the tail gate, but Ill give it a look
I used one of the rods backwards and passed it through the center handle opening and after many tries I was able to hook the 90 degree bend of the rod into the end of the latch and pull. It definitely will move the catch some. Hook a flexible but fairly strong piece of wire to the rod so if you drop it you can fish it back out.
You may be able to access the latches between the gate and the bed with a screwdriver or two and try to push in the latch and get one side out and then the other. An additional item may help. Delivery trucks use a ratcheting wedging bar from one side of the truck to the other to hold things in place, I think they are also made for pick up trucks. Maybe someone you know has one to borrow. Wedge the bed apart CAREFULLY right at the tail gate only enough to use the screwdrivers. If the bed stays spread a bit when done, a come along or ratchet strap may pull it back together.
I used one of the rods backwards and passed it through the center handle opening and after many tries I was able to hook the 90 degree bend of the rod into the end of the latch and pull. It definitely will move the catch some. Hook a flexible but fairly strong piece of wire to the rod so if you drop it you can fish it back out.
I was wondering if that would work and Id be able to fish something into the latch to pull. Definitely will give that a try, if it takes me hours Id rather do that than cut holes theough the good paint and metal.
All good ideas but don't over think it. Push in a 1" putty knife from the inside to release the latch. So easy even a caveman can do it.
what year do you have? I can look through on mine and that pillar behind your putty knife is blocking the latch on mine it seems. I cant even see the latch through that gap. Ill give it a try but not sure I can access the latch
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