Stuck Tailgate
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Stuck Tailgate
I have an 86 F-150 that didn't have a tailgate when I bought it. So when I was picking up some other used parts the guy through a used tailgate in for very cheap. Its the next generation style (I think '87).
I put it in and everything latched correctly but it won't unlatch now. I removed the panel on the inside of the tailgate and the handle and associated mechanisms seem to work correctly. It just won't open.
Any advise? Was it a stupid move to try the 87 tailgate?
I put it in and everything latched correctly but it won't unlatch now. I removed the panel on the inside of the tailgate and the handle and associated mechanisms seem to work correctly. It just won't open.
Any advise? Was it a stupid move to try the 87 tailgate?
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 321
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From: Picayune Mississippi
No. Not a stupid move if you needed a tailgate. My '86 was without one for the longest time.
When you removed the panel on the back, did you see the rods that go to the latches on either side? If you didn't they are very easy to find. Simply remove them from the clips on the tailgate handle, and then use some channel locks, or vise grips and give a good smart pull. That will pull the latch in towards the tailgate and free it up to swing down.
Your next move would be most likely to adjust the catch's on the bed sides that you won't have to do this again.
Enjoy!
And welcome!
When you removed the panel on the back, did you see the rods that go to the latches on either side? If you didn't they are very easy to find. Simply remove them from the clips on the tailgate handle, and then use some channel locks, or vise grips and give a good smart pull. That will pull the latch in towards the tailgate and free it up to swing down.
Your next move would be most likely to adjust the catch's on the bed sides that you won't have to do this again.
Enjoy!
And welcome!
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mds,
I did see the connecting rods and they do move with the handle and I can move them by hand - it just won't unlatch. I will try disconnecting the rods and pulling that way.
Thanks for the welcome. I'll probably be frequenting these boards since eventually I'd like to restore this truck and I'll be doing most of the work myself.
I did see the connecting rods and they do move with the handle and I can move them by hand - it just won't unlatch. I will try disconnecting the rods and pulling that way.
Thanks for the welcome. I'll probably be frequenting these boards since eventually I'd like to restore this truck and I'll be doing most of the work myself.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 625
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From: Colorado
I don't see how you were able to get the tailgate on and latched in the first place. The latches are different, and the hinges are different sizes. Been there, done that. Had to relocate all the hardware with the parts from the donor when I put a newer tailgate on my '82.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
1980-1982 has different tailgates and hardware than the 1983-1986. Although they look almost identicle from the outside sheet metal.
Then 1987-1997 has different hardware yet again.
Then 1987-1997 has different hardware yet again.
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OK, here's the story. After working on it a while my brother and I where able to get it back open. The latching mechanism was working good but what had happened was the bolt that held the support wire to the tailgate and the both that the support wire attaches to on the bed were hitting. So what we did was remove the bolt from the bed and remove the support cable.
Now the tailgate opens or closes fine. It's not the smoothest but I expect that since it's pretty beat up. Eventually I'll be replacing it with a proper tailgate style for the '86 but this will have to work for a little bit.
thanks for all the help!
J
Now the tailgate opens or closes fine. It's not the smoothest but I expect that since it's pretty beat up. Eventually I'll be replacing it with a proper tailgate style for the '86 but this will have to work for a little bit.
thanks for all the help!
J
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