1964 Ford Fairlane 500 Ranch Wagon Tailgate Motor Help!!!!!

Discussion in 'General Automotive Tech' started by boatwifeteri, Mar 13, 2012.

  1. boatwifeteri

    boatwifeteri New Member

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    I just bought a replacement rear window tailgate motor for my 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 Ranch Wagon because my window is currently stuck in the "DOWN" position.We had the switch tested and its fine,had the tailgate window motor tested and that is the problem.My husband and I are trying to figure out how to GET TO THE BAD MOTOR,BEHIND THE GLASS,with no luck so far.Can anyone explain how to take that tailgate apart with the window still down?HELP!!!!
     
    boatwifeteri, Mar 13, 2012
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  2. 65 2dr

    65 2dr Fix 'em all -

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    I did a few Suburban t/gate motors and regulators, so it should be close to the same.
    Open the gate, remove the inner panel and get something to support the glass - I used a jackstand with a few clean rags on it.
    At the bottom [?] of the gate, [follow the wires] there will be a safety switch, that prevents the window opening while gate is down - trip and hold it, somehow.
    Now try the switch to close the window, and guide it by hand, as it might fall out of the bottom track if you don't!
    If it won't move, you should be able to force it, with the up button depressed - be carefull.
    From there, replacing the motor is obvious.
    Now I get doors on my suburbans - t/gates are a PIA!!
     
    65 2dr, Mar 13, 2012
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  3. boatwifeteri

    boatwifeteri New Member

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    Thank you for that! We will get working on it and post another question if we get stuck.
     
    boatwifeteri, Mar 13, 2012
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  4. alhutch

    alhutch New Member

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    Teri - I am currently working on replacing the tailgate motor in my '66 Country Sedan, so I feel your pain. I'm guessing they might be similar, but someone with a Fairlane can correct me if need be.

    To get to the motor, the glass has to be completely removed and set aside in my wagon. I still have to loosen a least 1 bolt holding the motor/gear assembly to the tailgate so I can lift it up and slide the new motor into place.

    With the tailgate opened flat and the inside cover removed, I manually pushed the window 'up' (out of the gate) to the end of it's travel and carefully moved the rollers out of the tracks on the base of the glass to remove it. Have someone or something hold the gear arm levers with the rollers from springing back on their own once the window is removed.

    That is as far as I got before I had to stop. Next step is undoing the bolts to lift the gear mechanism up enough to slide the new motor home (old one was removed before I got the wagon).

    Hope that helps a little. Good luck.

    Al
     
    alhutch, Mar 13, 2012
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