The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Tailgate Tragedy

Onmy 67 C10, I can't get the tailgate to open. It appears that the linkage isn't hooked up. How do I get the doggone thing open?

Then, how do I hook the linkage up so it will work properly.

Davey

I did or had to open the tailgate twice. Once,but that was a Nissan with a panel in the tailgate. Took it of and used needlenose to pull the locks. The other time a Dodge, spent quality time with long thin screwdriver to tumble the hooks, but got it open. C10? can you see the hooks from the top ? Else can-opener?
Good luck

on my f#$d ranger the handle has been frozen for quite some time, dont need to get in it that often, so i just push a screwdriver in to pop the latches. your on your own for the rest

I've done Fords too. They have small rods from handle in middle to gate latches. Many times those little plastic clips for holding rods in handle holes are broken or missing. You can remove the handle assembly, and pull on those rods by hand or with tools to open.
Not sure if chevy had that or similar? Would think it would have to be. Maybe a cable instead of rod? Remove the center handle first, look around in gate for loose parts if nothing was on handle to disconnect.
As said, about any thin tool you can push between gate and box sides and push in the latches should work. Not too handy for all the time, but to start should be ok. You can still get those handles and parts easy for those years. Lots of venders around, check the Links here on this site. Order a manual also, should have your info in there.

He Davey, did you get it open? and how did you do it?

Thanks everybody. I'm finally getting a day off my J.O.B. to work on Venus.

The tailgate is "shut tight". I'll look in a couple of the Truck Parts catalogs and see what type of linkage operates it.

Hopefully I can remove the bolts from the latch and manually open it. I'll report my experience a bit later.

There's go to be a way to get it open.

And, if all else fails, I do have a can opener.