I could use some advise folks- My 64 Chevelle wagon sat parked from 1977- 2009. I bought it from the original owners son. It was a California car that came to Eastern WA in the early 70s, so the rust is pretty minimal. My problem is that the tailgate is stuck shut. It is the latch on the drivers side that I can't free. I took the cover off the inside of the gate and was able to shoot some liquid wrench at the latches- also from the outside into the seam. Then I got a good grip on the cable that pulls from the handle and was able to free the passengers side. Over the course of about two months I have left a can by it, and every time I walk by I give it a squirt of WD40 or liquid wrench. So far nothing but a soar nose from losing my grip on the pliers and whacking myself. Any thoughts? I can't get great access to the area in there and really don't want to start cutting away at it. (Rhett, Rhett) Whatever shall I do?
Welcome fourspeedwagon! Read this thread about different solutions for rusty bolts. It might give you some ideas. http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7486&highlight=acetone David
Thanks David- I'll have to mix some up and get it in an oil can/squirter. I thought I was being cheap buying liquid wrench, but it looks like it is better than WD (at least in their tests). Thanks again, can't wait to try it out- Greg
I've used liquid wrench with both ATF and also with varsol. Works best with ATF. It takes a while to do it's thing but it does work pretty good. Also run it down from the top of the tailgate onto the latch that comes out and into the body from the door itself. Then, after a bunch of days, put some vice grips on it and try giving it some hard quick tugs. Worked for me in the past, but it was a slow and agonizing process. Very frustrating. If none of that works let me know and I can recommend an option that isn't pretty to do but gets you access and is not difficult to hide. Barrry
My 57 Chevy wagon had the same problem. I could get one side loose, but not the other. I had the option to cut into mine, since I was replacing it with a much better one. I cut a square hole, about 5 by 5 inches near the latch, from inside. I found out then that I had just not been getting the WD 40 exactly where it was needed. You need to REALLY SOAK it all around in there. Also, it really is not the end of the world if you do have to cut from the inside, like I did. Just make an inspection plate cover, and install it with small screws. Whatever you cover the inside of your tailgate with will hide the new plate anyway. Good luck.
Thanks Zygmo- I think that may be my solution. I've been drowning it with the homebrew solution recommended by wixom61 but like you said, it may not be getting to the right spot. It has a panel that covers the inside of the gate, so it would cover whatever I butcher in there I guess. Thanks again- Greg
Hey, Fourspeedwagon.....hope you haven't cut that big hole yet. I think you might get by just drilling a half inch hole right there behind the latch. Shine a light from the access hole behind the handle, look in that drilled hole to see where to aim the little WD40 nozzle and squirt away. I noticed on mine, that the lube was not getting on it, by trying to do it from the outside. There are two pieces that slide together and a spring that rust up. Mine broke loose right away when I got the lube in the right place, and worked it back and forth with the latch wire. Good luck.
Thanks guys- It worked! two weeks marinating in atf/acetone and a couple yanks with a pair of visegrips on the cable and open sesame. No extra holes cut either. I would post a picture, but it would be apretty boring shot of a tailgate opening like they are supposed to...
Way to go, Greg!:banana: You did it without making more stuff to fix! That is so great! :You_Rock_Emoticon: Slow and steady wins the race! David
Glad it is open for you. I know from experience how frustrating it is when you can't get the darned thing open. When it finally does that feeling of relief is just outstanding.
