Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Texas Hill Country
Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
Took my tailgate latch assembly out to repaint and basically clean, now it's not working at all 
... story of my life.
So I'm looking for either (a) help with how to reassemble correctly, or (b) replacement or upgrade options for the tailgate latch (release assembly?) for the styleside pickup.
PS: I've checked the online store... we have the release handle and the side latches only, unless I'm reading the catalog wrong.
Thanks!
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
... story of my life.So I'm looking for either (a) help with how to reassemble correctly, or (b) replacement or upgrade options for the tailgate latch (release assembly?) for the styleside pickup.
PS: I've checked the online store... we have the release handle and the side latches only, unless I'm reading the catalog wrong.
Thanks!
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 3
From: central Alberta
Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
You may have clipped the rods in on the wrong sides. I just had a tailgate apart the other day and I think the right hand side rod clips to the topside of the latch and the left rod clips into the bottom.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Texas Hill Country
Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 20-Nov-02 AT 06:40 PM (EST)]MK...
Didn't take the rods out, just the latch handle assembly. Fairly certain I put it back the same way, but... duh! It ain't workin'!
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
Didn't take the rods out, just the latch handle assembly. Fairly certain I put it back the same way, but... duh! It ain't workin'!
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: Saskatchewan
Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
I think I know what your problem is. It happened to me also. IF it feels like there is no resistance than this is your problem the rectangular peice of metal that hooks up to the bolt should be going lenthwise with the truck doing this should help you out.
1970 Ford F100 2wd
3spd 302 3.50 gearing
what more could you want
1970 Ford F100 2wd
3spd 302 3.50 gearing
what more could you want
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Texas Hill Country
Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 21-Nov-02 AT 11:37 PM (EST)]Joe...
It feels like the tailgate is now locked... the handle will not budge. I'm pretty sure that the rectangular piece you refer to has something to do with what's causing it. Trust that next time I will pull out the digital camera and take pics of this stuff before I pull it apart the next time
What's amazing is that I've torn the internet apart, including MotorHaven and the other 2, and can only find the handle, but not the repair parts... heck, the handle don't break, it's the little bitty pieces that wear out!
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
It feels like the tailgate is now locked... the handle will not budge. I'm pretty sure that the rectangular piece you refer to has something to do with what's causing it. Trust that next time I will pull out the digital camera and take pics of this stuff before I pull it apart the next time
What's amazing is that I've torn the internet apart, including MotorHaven and the other 2, and can only find the handle, but not the repair parts... heck, the handle don't break, it's the little bitty pieces that wear out!
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
> It feels like the tailgate is now locked... the handle will not
FWIW: You can open tailgates (depending on the type) by removing a panel from the back or by prying it open from the back with a big bladed screwdriver. Just push in the the triangle part of the latch on the left and right side. The hanld epulls these back, but, a screwdriver will do the trick. Just be sure something is underneath the tailgate when it pops down, besides your dog
I drove a 1979 that I had to unlatch this way with a sticky gate.
FWIW: You can open tailgates (depending on the type) by removing a panel from the back or by prying it open from the back with a big bladed screwdriver. Just push in the the triangle part of the latch on the left and right side. The hanld epulls these back, but, a screwdriver will do the trick. Just be sure something is underneath the tailgate when it pops down, besides your dog
I drove a 1979 that I had to unlatch this way with a sticky gate.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Texas Hill Country
Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
>FWIW: You can open tailgates (depending on the type) by
>removing a panel from the back or by prying it open from the
>back with a big bladed screwdriver.
Yeah, wish mine had that removeable panel, but it doesn't. Other than needing some lubricating mine worked fine before I pulled it apart... this is all operator error. I'd buy new components/repair parts if I could find them... looks like a trip to the junk yard, just to open one up and looksee is in order.
Thanks for the feedback...
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
>removing a panel from the back or by prying it open from the
>back with a big bladed screwdriver.
Yeah, wish mine had that removeable panel, but it doesn't. Other than needing some lubricating mine worked fine before I pulled it apart... this is all operator error. I'd buy new components/repair parts if I could find them... looks like a trip to the junk yard, just to open one up and looksee is in order.
Thanks for the feedback...
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: Saskatchewan
Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
GolferSA
I am very sorry to here about what happened with your tailgate from my Idea. It worked for me.
1970 Ford F100 2wd
302 3spd 3.50 gearing
what more could you want
I am very sorry to here about what happened with your tailgate from my Idea. It worked for me.
1970 Ford F100 2wd
302 3spd 3.50 gearing
what more could you want
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Texas Hill Country
Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
Hey Joe...
I haven't tried your solution yet... but I will!! I know it's something simple like that, I just have a piece in wrong somehow (although there's only the pivot bolt and the piece you're talking about, 2 washers and 2 cotter pins, plus the handle)... I will open it back up and see if the rectangular piece is running longwise with the truck, or longwise with the tailgate.
When I get it open I'll take a pic of the way it is and post it it... maybe you or someone can help me out.
Thanks!
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
I haven't tried your solution yet... but I will!! I know it's something simple like that, I just have a piece in wrong somehow (although there's only the pivot bolt and the piece you're talking about, 2 washers and 2 cotter pins, plus the handle)... I will open it back up and see if the rectangular piece is running longwise with the truck, or longwise with the tailgate.
When I get it open I'll take a pic of the way it is and post it it... maybe you or someone can help me out.
Thanks!
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Texas Hill Country
Tailgate Latch Problems - Question
Ken, great job on your truck, followed the link... very nice!
I'll try and get around to pulling the tailgate apart this weekend, and post a pic of what's there when I get it open.
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
I'll try and get around to pulling the tailgate apart this weekend, and post a pic of what's there when I get it open.
GolferSA
67 Ford F100 Custom Cab
352V8 C6 Auto Factory Air
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5688&.jpg
golfersa@netscape.net
Check out my gallery!
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