Tailgate Latch Fix

[tim_mc]

Yesterday I picked up some seed and top soil in the '67. After unloading, my latch was sprung and would not close. Today I removed the latch, banged on it a bit and got it reinstalled. I tried an old-school impact driver & mallet, but the old screws didn't budge, so I drilled out the screws starting with 1/8" and stepping up to 1/4".

[tim_mc]

Here's a pic with the latch removed showing the actuating rods, and another showing how one of the plates was sprung and needed to be bent back in place.

[tim_mc]

After tweaking and lubricating the latch, bending the ends of the rods, time to reinstall. Here's a pic with the rods in the backing plate, and another with rubber hose put on the ends of the rods.

[tim_mc]

And reinstalled. The previous owner likely damaged the latch given the cracks in the tailgate above the latch. Temporary 5/16" hex bolts used until I can get some round Phillips truss or hex cap bolts in 3/4" length. I was glad to reuse the latch since it has such a wonderful finish on it.

[tim_mc]

Picked up some stainless 5/16-18 x 3/4" button head socket cap screws at the local Farm & Home Supply. Added a dab of anti-seize and tightened with 3/16" Allen wrench. These will be a lot easier to remove in the future, and no protruding bolt heads to grab or scratch bags or lumber.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I like the Allen Screws.
A couple of years ago the tailgate on my '71 GMC Jimmy K/1500 got jammed. Could not open the tailgate to save my life. Latch was held in by phillips panhead screws that took at least a #3. I bought a hammer driven impact device from Harbor Freight. For a couple of weeks, to prep in advance, I sprayed down each screw daily.
I posted about it, on this site. It got quite a following.
Finally one Friday, I figured it was time. I had to clear stuff out of the back of the Jimmy to hit that impactor on those three #3 screws as with the tailgate up, the fasteners were in a vertical position. Just before whacking it, I tried the latch manually. And it opened up like normal, all that PB Blaster and WD-40 had done the trick.

[Eddie70]

Timely post for me. I had to use a screwdriver to help the handle work the mechanism to release my tailgate. The truck is a roller at this point and this is one of those projects on the list of things to look at. Thanks for the post. I'll see if I can get the same results as you.

[1970cstblazer]

For those who want exact OEM replacement screws:



AMK Products # G-24012

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by tim_mc

Picked up some stainless 5/16-18 x 3/4" button head socket cap screws at the local Farm & Home Supply. Added a dab of anti-seize and tightened with 3/16" Allen wrench. These will be a lot easier to remove in the future, and no protruding bolt heads to grab or scratch bags or lumber.

There is a line from Frank's Red Hot Sauce that comes to mind.

I do a lot of work for mechanically reclined friends and relatives. When I apply anti-seize while they are watching I use that line.

I guess what I'm trying to say is PLEASE use anti-seize. You won't regret it, except for when you apply it because it gets everywhere fast.

[cericd]

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

For those who want exact OEM replacement screws:



AMK Products # G-24012

For many of us, including me, these screws aren't an exact match, although they will work. We have factory installed screws that have a flat spot where the Phillips slot is. Unfortunately, I haven't found a source for and exact replacement. The closest I could find was a 1/4" too short. Others have purchased stainless screws of the proper size and added the flat spot with a bench grinder. Here's a thread discussing the screws. And, here are a couple pics of my original screws.

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by mrein3

I guess what I'm trying to say is PLEASE use anti-seize. You won't regret it, except for when you apply it because it gets everywhere fast.

I automatically when I open the can put a dab behind each ear and on my forehead....that's where most of it ends up anyway

[tim_mc]

Originally Posted by mrein3

There is a line from Frank's Red Hot Sauce that comes to mind.

I do a lot of work for mechanically reclined friends and relatives. When I apply anti-seize while they are watching I use that line.

I guess what I'm trying to say is PLEASE use anti-seize. You won't regret it, except for when you apply it because it gets everywhere fast.

I appreciate the comments and additional screw info. As for the above, AMEN to anti-seize. I also put that s**t on everything. Learned that from my dad who died last June. We always joked him about it, but never had a problem with unscrewing a nut or bolt even years later.

[tim_mc]

Originally Posted by Sheepdip

I automatically when I open the can put a dab behind each ear and on my forehead....that's where most of it ends up anyway

That stuff smears real good. Years ago Dad had a super big can of anti-seize - likely from the cement plant motor pool where he worked. I'm sure it was past it's expiration date and he saved it from the trashcan.

[PbFut]

As dad would say, "you can't call that stuff on the telephone without getting it all over you."