Tailgate Jammed Shut.

[howzzzit]

Is it the same handle as a C10 fleetside? If so, why can't you take out the 3 screws on the inside an then access the handle and rods?

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by howzzzit

Is it the same handle as a C10 fleetside? If so, why can't you take out the 3 screws on the inside an then access the handle and rods?

Yes, I believe so.

['68OrangeSunshine]

OK. Now I see what I'm up against.
Stovebolt screw heads.
Every picture I've seen has Screwheads with #3 Phillips universal heads or hex cap screws.
Not here. St Louis decided slot heads would work fine. Afterall, everybody trades in their trucks for a new one every 5 years, right?
Oh well.
Last night, after determining these screws had not been touched in 52 years, I shot them a couple times with PB Blaster. I'll repeat the process, as I'm not sure of much penetration.
Have to find me a wide slot bit for the 1/4" impact driver, too.

Also gotta get 3 Phillips screws for the reinstall.
Have not ordered a new tailgate handle yet. I figured I'd look at the one I've got to see if it can be fine-tuned with a BFH, before getting a replacement of questionable quality.

['68OrangeSunshine]

The orange screwdriver below was my Grandfather's. [I painted the handle Chevy Engine Orange years ago, goofing around with engine paint].
Blade width is about 3/8''.
I tried it and almost goobered the slot on one of the stovebolt screws.
They are ON THERE.
Guess I'll be making a Harbor Freight run tomorrow.

[67 twins]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

OK. Now I see what I'm up against.
Stovebolt screw heads.
Every picture I've seen has Screwheads with #3 Phillips universal heads or hex cap screws.
Not here. St Louis decided slot heads would work fine. Afterall, everybody trades in their trucks for a new one every 5 years, right?
Oh well.
Last night, after determining these screws had not been touched in 52 years, I shot them a couple times with PB Blaster. I'll repeat the process, as I'm not sure of much penetration.
Have to find me a wide slot bit for the 1/4" impact driver, too.

Also gotta get 3 Phillips screws for the reinstall.
Have not ordered a new tailgate handle yet. I figured I'd look at the one I've got to see if it can be fine-tuned with a BFH, before getting a replacement of questionable quality.

Just an FYI everyone I've ever seen or worked on was #4 Phillips not #3!

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by 67 twins

Just an FYI everyone I've ever seen or worked on was #4 Phillips not #3!

OK. I know that I have no #4 Phillips bits in 1/4'' impact size.

If that was the factory standard, then I wonder if a PO 'hy-graded' the OEM chrome handle [CST trim level truck] and substituted a cheap repop black handle and even used cheap stovebolt screws with Loktite on reassembly.
This tailgate also has a squarebody trim panel with big red GMC letters covering the tailgate. Leading me to suspect it's not a GMC tailgate, and the original was lost, stolen or damaged sometime between 1971 and 1995, when I bought it.