Tailgate Adjustment
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 435
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From: Central Oregon
Tailgate Adjustment
I just re-installed my '74 Styleside tailgate after getting my new LineX bedliner (beautiful). I had to go back to get the LineX guys to notch out their bedliner for the striker plate shims, in order to get them levelled and tailgate centered. To make a long story short, after we did that, the tailgate closed and latched and everything fit nicely, but now I can't get the tailgate to open again!! The latch pins are releasing from the strikers on both sides as seen with a flashlight, so they aren't the problem. The tailgate opens about 1/2-3/4" but won't come any further in spite of vigorous tugging and "discussing" the situation with it!
Anyone got any ideas on what the problem might be, and a Non-destructive fix? A Sawzall would be a little too severe at this point
Thanks, Steve
Anyone got any ideas on what the problem might be, and a Non-destructive fix? A Sawzall would be a little too severe at this point
Thanks, Steve
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Central Oregon
Tailgate Adjustment
I finally resorted to using a block of wood with 3 and 8# sledge hammers to knock the thing loose! Fortunately I was able to confine the strikes to the areas covered by the LineX, so no apparent damage. It's now pretty apparent that the recesses that are cut into the LineX for the strikers and shims just need to be made larger to let things fall back into alignment.
It was quite amazing the amount of effort it took to get the tailgate opened up again after went so easily shut. Thanks for the suggestions. Steve
It was quite amazing the amount of effort it took to get the tailgate opened up again after went so easily shut. Thanks for the suggestions. Steve
