Tailgate latch is broken? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Almighty Wez · 11-10-2007, 09:03 AM

On my 67, the tailgate latch must be broken because it won't stay up and the handle is lose. Does anyone know how to fix it? I've looked in the LMC catalog but they don't seem to list anything inside the tailgate itself, pretty much just the hinges and handle. Any info would be great!

Blue71LWB · 11-10-2007, 09:12 AM

The part your handle works is froze up. Remove the three bolts on the inside of the gate and then detach the two rods that run fron the handle to the latches. When you get it out you'll see the part that's stuck. Soak it in some WD40 and loosen it up then you'll be good to go.

I just did this a few weeks ago.

wibilly · 11-10-2007, 09:55 AM

blue 71 is right. well your at it take the latches out of the ends of the gate clean them lube all moving parts with moter oil. i take a oil can to all hinges and latches every time i do a oil change and grease job

Almighty Wez · 11-10-2007, 01:32 PM

Thanks guys, I'll check it out and see what I can do.

OLDIRON69 · 11-10-2007, 01:45 PM

I soaked mine with seafoam brand penetrating spray...was really hard to open and had to slam it shut........not anymore!

Musclerodz · 11-10-2007, 03:47 PM

We can supply all the internals if the above fixes do not work.

Mike

swamp rat · 11-13-2007, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue71LWB

The part your handle works is froze up. Remove the three bolts on the inside of the gate and then detach the two rods that run fron the handle to the latches. When you get it out you'll see the part that's stuck. Soak it in some WD40 and loosen it up then you'll be good to go.

I just did this a few weeks ago.

This is new terratory for me too...

After you remove the 3 bolts whats involved in detaching the 2 rods??? I'd hate to have something drop unside and have hell getting it out.. Thanks.

Mondo · 11-13-2007, 11:22 PM

I just took mine apart yesterday because my handle is loose too. What I found is the rods don't get pulled back (towards the outside) enough and the cam doesn't hold the handle up tight. There's a slot for the rods near on the ends and that gives it too much play.
I have an aftermarket tailgate so I don't know if that makes a difference but I don't see a way to reduce the slack in the handle....

PS - I did put some rubber hose on the rods to try and reduce the tingy sound, don't think it helped much.

11-10-2007, 09:03 AM	#1
Almighty Wez JNZ Finishing LLC. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dublin PA Posts: 132	Tailgate latch is broken? On my 67, the tailgate latch must be broken because it won't stay up and the handle is lose. Does anyone know how to fix it? I've looked in the LMC catalog but they don't seem to list anything inside the tailgate itself, pretty much just the hinges and handle. Any info would be great! __________________ JNZ FINISHING LLC.- PM me about our POWDERCOATING & CERAMIC services 67 K10 shortbed....6"lift, 35s, 350/350/208

11-10-2007, 09:12 AM	#2
Blue71LWB Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 120	Re: Tailgate latch is broken? The part your handle works is froze up. Remove the three bolts on the inside of the gate and then detach the two rods that run fron the handle to the latches. When you get it out you'll see the part that's stuck. Soak it in some WD40 and loosen it up then you'll be good to go. I just did this a few weeks ago. __________________ Working on my first 1,000 post. I'm sure I'll get there before this project is over .

11-10-2007, 09:55 AM	#3
wibilly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: northwestern wi Posts: 2,111	Re: Tailgate latch is broken? blue 71 is right. well your at it take the latches out of the ends of the gate clean them lube all moving parts with moter oil. i take a oil can to all hinges and latches every time i do a oil change and grease job __________________ common sense isn't so common anymore

11-10-2007, 01:32 PM	#4
Almighty Wez JNZ Finishing LLC. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dublin PA Posts: 132	Re: Tailgate latch is broken? Thanks guys, I'll check it out and see what I can do. __________________ JNZ FINISHING LLC.- PM me about our POWDERCOATING & CERAMIC services 67 K10 shortbed....6"lift, 35s, 350/350/208

11-10-2007, 01:45 PM	#5
OLDIRON69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ben Wheeler,Texas Posts: 992	Re: Tailgate latch is broken? I soaked mine with seafoam brand penetrating spray...was really hard to open and had to slam it shut........not anymore! __________________ 05 2500HD 6.0 excab 69 LWB-Gone but not forgotten! 68 Dodge Charger 383/727 69 Dodge Charger-440/4spd

11-10-2007, 03:47 PM	#6
Musclerodz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 2,365	Re: Tailgate latch is broken? We can supply all the internals if the above fixes do not work. Mike __________________ Mike Redpath

11-13-2007, 11:22 PM	#8
Mondo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 538	Re: Tailgate latch is broken? I just took mine apart yesterday because my handle is loose too. What I found is the rods don't get pulled back (towards the outside) enough and the cam doesn't hold the handle up tight. There's a slot for the rods near on the ends and that gives it too much play. I have an aftermarket tailgate so I don't know if that makes a difference but I don't see a way to reduce the slack in the handle.... PS - I did put some rubber hose on the rods to try and reduce the tingy sound, don't think it helped much.



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