71 GMC tailgate not latching: dead handle? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TomShilling · 03-11-2005, 08:08 PM

First order of the repair list: fix latch on tailgate on the 71 GMC. It is all stock and original, and the handle on the tailgate doesn't seem to have anything moving. It fits snug against the bedside when closed, but nothing latches. It'll drop open with a BANG when driving down the road!! I'll dig into it tomorrow, but are there some common fixes you could share with me? It seems like it would be a simple latching mechanism, but I may have to order some parts...
Thanks for any help and tips!
Tom (My first truck at 42 years old) Shilling

70c10 · 03-11-2005, 10:08 PM

Are you sure you have the spring loaded latches attached to the gate?. I just installed every single piece recently and it was really easy. Lower your gate half way and work the handle to see if the spring loaded latches are moving in and out. Even if they were not working properly it should stay caught on the hinge without falling down. Check that and report back!

TomShilling · 03-11-2005, 10:50 PM

There is no tension on the handle at all, it just moves if you pull it, pushes in if you push it... I figured I would have to get inside the gate somehow, I'll have to tear it open tomorrow...any tips?
Thanks

**oldiron** · 03-12-2005, 01:42 AM

Get some spray lube and spray the handle pivots and the latch pins. This should free it up with out tearing it apart. Mine was froze up and just spraying some lube on the latches made it work almost like new.

TomShilling · 03-12-2005, 03:24 PM

The angle headed things that are supposed to latch into the catches only stick out about 1/4 inch. They are under tension, but won't come out far enough to hit the catch. The tailgate handle is dead. It will lift and close, but it feels like nothing is connected to it. There are 3 screws inside the tailgate, but no access panel to check it over...what to do?

70c10 · 03-12-2005, 03:51 PM

I don't know why the latches are not sticking out very far. They only move in when the handle is pulled up. Did you just purchase this truck or was it working properly before?. If spraying lubricant doesn't work, you will have to take the 2 bolts of each side and inspect to make sure the rod is properly attached to latch. You may also have to take the 3 center bolts out and check to see they are attached properly. The drivers side rod attaches to the top and the passenger side attaches to the bottom- I think.(this is the inside handle itself I'm referring to).

72MARIO · 03-12-2005, 04:04 PM

First try soaking the latches with WD40 or Release that should free the latches up. The reason when you pull the handle you feel nothing is becsasue The latched are already pulled in ( the opening position )and when you lift the handle you pull the latched in. Because the latches are already in the open position you will not feel any tension. If lubing them up does not work Loosen the handle from the gate. I think they are 3 1/2 " bolt's. Then remove the latches from the side of the gate there are 2 bolt's I think they are 1/2 or 9/16. The handle has rods that attack to the latches. It's really easy to take apart and reassemble. I just installed all of the original hardware on my freshly painted gate. That was a bit tougher because I did not was to rip the paint off.

I hope that Helps.

MArio

03-11-2005, 08:08 PM	#1
TomShilling Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 42	71 GMC tailgate not latching: dead handle? First order of the repair list: fix latch on tailgate on the 71 GMC. It is all stock and original, and the handle on the tailgate doesn't seem to have anything moving. It fits snug against the bedside when closed, but nothing latches. It'll drop open with a BANG when driving down the road!! I'll dig into it tomorrow, but are there some common fixes you could share with me? It seems like it would be a simple latching mechanism, but I may have to order some parts... Thanks for any help and tips! Tom (My first truck at 42 years old) Shilling

03-11-2005, 10:08 PM	#2
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Are you sure you have the spring loaded latches attached to the gate?. I just installed every single piece recently and it was really easy. Lower your gate half way and work the handle to see if the spring loaded latches are moving in and out. Even if they were not working properly it should stay caught on the hinge without falling down. Check that and report back! __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

03-11-2005, 10:50 PM	#3
TomShilling Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 42	NOPE: nothing moves but the handle in the tailgate... There is no tension on the handle at all, it just moves if you pull it, pushes in if you push it... I figured I would have to get inside the gate somehow, I'll have to tear it open tomorrow...any tips? Thanks

03-12-2005, 01:42 AM	#4
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,094	Get some spray lube and spray the handle pivots and the latch pins. This should free it up with out tearing it apart. Mine was froze up and just spraying some lube on the latches made it work almost like new. __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

03-12-2005, 03:24 PM	#5
TomShilling Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 42	How far out do the latch things stick? The angle headed things that are supposed to latch into the catches only stick out about 1/4 inch. They are under tension, but won't come out far enough to hit the catch. The tailgate handle is dead. It will lift and close, but it feels like nothing is connected to it. There are 3 screws inside the tailgate, but no access panel to check it over...what to do?

03-12-2005, 03:51 PM	#6
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	I don't know why the latches are not sticking out very far. They only move in when the handle is pulled up. Did you just purchase this truck or was it working properly before?. If spraying lubricant doesn't work, you will have to take the 2 bolts of each side and inspect to make sure the rod is properly attached to latch. You may also have to take the 3 center bolts out and check to see they are attached properly. The drivers side rod attaches to the top and the passenger side attaches to the bottom- I think.(this is the inside handle itself I'm referring to). __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

03-12-2005, 04:04 PM	#7
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	First try soaking the latches with WD40 or Release that should free the latches up. The reason when you pull the handle you feel nothing is becsasue The latched are already pulled in ( the opening position )and when you lift the handle you pull the latched in. Because the latches are already in the open position you will not feel any tension. If lubing them up does not work Loosen the handle from the gate. I think they are 3 1/2 " bolt's. Then remove the latches from the side of the gate there are 2 bolt's I think they are 1/2 or 9/16. The handle has rods that attack to the latches. It's really easy to take apart and reassemble. I just installed all of the original hardware on my freshly painted gate. That was a bit tougher because I did not was to rip the paint off. I hope that Helps. MArio __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.