Tailgate Trouble
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 687
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Tailgate Trouble
Hello All;
I have a 1979 Ranchero GT with a tailgate that stopped working last week.
the handle lifts with light resistance, but it doesn't unlatch. Has anyone had
this happen and arrived at a remarkably easy way to open this without
wrecking the vehicle? Thanks for any help.
I have a 1979 Ranchero GT with a tailgate that stopped working last week.
the handle lifts with light resistance, but it doesn't unlatch. Has anyone had
this happen and arrived at a remarkably easy way to open this without
wrecking the vehicle? Thanks for any help.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,310
Likes: 9
From: E.Lincoln County, NC
I'd have to go look at our old 79 but can the inner panel not be removed for access? Of course if you have to open the gate to get to the fasteners that's no good. In that case all I know of to do would be to remove the handle, work through the hole and try to find the release rods that must have fallen off ....... at least one side must have. It'll be a rea pain in the butt I'm sure!
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
21970 =Basic part number for clips
There are plastic clips that hook the linkage rods from the handle to the latch. These get brittle over time and break. That most likely is your problem.
I forget how many are used in the t'gate, but I'd get a couple of spares. Similar clips are used in the doors.
I forget how many are used in the t'gate, but I'd get a couple of spares. Similar clips are used in the doors.
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2006
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Sorry for the delay, I was having some time off. The inner panel covers the entire
inner surface. I have had the handle off, and there ia a 1/2 inch hole for it's linkage to go thru. I have also loosened the trim panel on top and can't see how I can get in
there... yet. Thanks NCRanchero and Number Dummy for the help so far.
inner surface. I have had the handle off, and there ia a 1/2 inch hole for it's linkage to go thru. I have also loosened the trim panel on top and can't see how I can get in
there... yet. Thanks NCRanchero and Number Dummy for the help so far.
