Stuck tailgate

[jlmerie]

I have a 1970 short wide truck that I can't open the tailgate. The latch moves but does not open the gate. What is the best way to open the gate to get where I can fix this.

[arkansas]

I'd take the access cover off the inside first and see if the rods came loose from the handle. Try pulling them from inside the tailgate with the panel off.

[jlmerie]

Mine has three screws that are on the inside of the gate that holds the handle in place. I don't see an "access cover".

[arkansas]

Actually I believe you are correct. I've been way too long without a tailgate on my truck. My new one is still in the box. My old toyota had the access panel.
If you take those screws out maybe you can get access to the rods by pulling the handle part way out. I'm guessing one of the rods has come loose at the handle or latch.

[Dingfodgy]

My GMC had the same problem. Remove the three screws that hold the handle assembly in and make sure the latch rods are attached to the pivot plate and the lock clips are holding everything together. Lube it all up real good while you're in there and reassemble. This should do the trick.

[68gmsee]

If you're lucky, the handle latch link or links aren't broken.

It would be a bear to undo if one of them were broken. The only way I can think of would be to force the latches in towards the tailgate to unlatch from the fender sides.