Fleetside tailgate latch problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72 Money Pit · 03-12-2006, 12:53 AM

When I open my fleetside tailgate, the latches on the sides of the tailgate do not return to the fully extened position. When this happens, my tail gate won't stay closed until I grab each latch with pliers and pull them completely out. The Chevy service manual does not provide any real explanation for this installation. Is there a spring at the handle in the center of the tailgate that may be weak or broken, or are there springs out at each latch that should puch them back out? Help!

low'n slow · 03-12-2006, 01:06 AM

I would assume you've greased the heck out of it, right? Is the gate bowed out?

72 Money Pit · 03-13-2006, 12:09 AM

I have sprayed the two latches, but I have not been inside the tailgate. The TG is not bowed or otherwise damaged, I am just hesitant to tear into it without knowing how it works. Besides, I have a list of other projects ahead of it!

71SWBChevy · 03-13-2006, 01:06 AM

what did you spray the latches with? If it was WD-40 or a similar product don't use those they are just mild lubricants for the latches you want to get some white lithium spray grease and grease the heck out of them then continuously move them back and forth, if that doesn't get them working then something is wrong on the inside.

72 CustomCamper · 03-13-2006, 01:08 AM

The springs are at each end. How freely does the handle move?

Chuck

mrein3 · 03-13-2006, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71SWBChevy

what did you spray the latches with? If it was WD-40 or a similar product don't use those they are just mild lubricants for the latches you want to get some white lithium spray grease and grease the heck out of them then continuously move them back and forth, if that doesn't get them working then something is wrong on the inside.

Be careful with the white lithium grease if you live in an area that regularly freezes. When frozen, I've seen that stuff cause more problems than it is worth.

To fix your tailgate, I'd spray the latches with PB Blaster or some other similar penetrating oil, work the latches with the pliers or whatever it takes, then lube them with a quality lubricant.

03-12-2006, 12:53 AM	#1
72 Money Pit Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bountiful, Utah Posts: 9	Fleetside tailgate latch problem When I open my fleetside tailgate, the latches on the sides of the tailgate do not return to the fully extened position. When this happens, my tail gate won't stay closed until I grab each latch with pliers and pull them completely out. The Chevy service manual does not provide any real explanation for this installation. Is there a spring at the handle in the center of the tailgate that may be weak or broken, or are there springs out at each latch that should puch them back out? Help! __________________ 72 Money Pit 1972 Cheyenne K20, crate 290 hp 350, GM HEI, 4 spd, 4:10 w/Detroit Locker in corporate 14-bolt [SIZE="3"]Twice as much invested in it as I could ever hope to get out of it, and still spending![/SIZE]

03-12-2006, 01:06 AM	#2
low'n slow Too Dumb To Know Better Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 882	Re: Fleetside tailgate latch problem I would assume you've greased the heck out of it, right? Is the gate bowed out?

03-13-2006, 12:09 AM	#3
72 Money Pit Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bountiful, Utah Posts: 9	Re: Fleetside tailgate latch problem I have sprayed the two latches, but I have not been inside the tailgate. The TG is not bowed or otherwise damaged, I am just hesitant to tear into it without knowing how it works. Besides, I have a list of other projects ahead of it! __________________ 72 Money Pit 1972 Cheyenne K20, crate 290 hp 350, GM HEI, 4 spd, 4:10 w/Detroit Locker in corporate 14-bolt [SIZE="3"]Twice as much invested in it as I could ever hope to get out of it, and still spending![/SIZE]

03-13-2006, 01:06 AM	#4
71SWBChevy Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Owensboro KY Posts: 11,905	Re: Fleetside tailgate latch problem what did you spray the latches with? If it was WD-40 or a similar product don't use those they are just mild lubricants for the latches you want to get some white lithium spray grease and grease the heck out of them then continuously move them back and forth, if that doesn't get them working then something is wrong on the inside. __________________ Drew '71 Chevy 350/TH350 Hugger Orange Currently just a rolling frame, body work soon to follow!!! Check out my Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212927 Daily Driver: 1997 Chevrolet S-10 with more gears than pistons

03-13-2006, 01:08 AM	#5
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	Re: Fleetside tailgate latch problem The springs are at each end. How freely does the handle move? Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"



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