Tailgate Torque Rod

[motorheadmike]

I have a funny feeling that my wagon never came with this assembly based on the patent date.
EDIT: I lied. Just checked and the rod is still in the tailgate, the provisions for the attaching link are there - just no attaching link or bolts.

Maybe I can just make one?

https://www.google.com/patents/US4143904

However, that patent document does offer a nice description of how it works.

Putting it together doesn't sound like fun:
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/wagon-elky-rear-tailgate-torsion-spring-re-attachment.45503/

That being said if anyone has any part numbers for the components to put this set up together please let me know.

 

[Longroof79]

What's missing on yours, Mike...the attaching link?

 

[mikester]

Putting it together was easy. Stick a rag between the rod and tailgate. Think enough to keep it up at least 1/2". Hook the end into the bracket. Start the two bolts. As you slowly tighten the bolts lift the tailgate up. Tighten the bolts. The bracket gets sucked in. Thats how I did it and it took less than 15 minutes.

 

[motorheadmike]

What's missing on yours, Mike...the attaching link?

Yup, that - and the bolts and the little plastic clip on the torque rod.

 

[Longroof79]

Mike,
I managed to find a part # for the attaching link, but not the plastic bushing. I'm sorry I don't a spare to offer you. Anyhow, here's the part # 20051272. You never know, one could materialize out of nowhere. Good luck!

Your local GM dealer can do a search for the part(s). They may be collecting dust on a dealers shelf somewhere.

Oh, it should be the same part as used on an El Camino. That should make it easier to locate.

 

[mikester]

Mike, I looked through my piles of crap in my garage because I grabbed the bracket and bolts off the donor wagon when I got the other rod for my car. I havent found it and Im really hoping I didnt toss it thinking I would never have a use for it. My garage is a real mess so Im hoping its still out there buried under some larger part. I have to go to a doctors appointment tomorrow at 1PM but right after that I'll swing by a yard that just got an Olds wagon in. I was just there yesterday checking out the tailgate plastic for a guy on FB but the majority of the interior plastic is shot. I noticed the lock on the gate was broken. Im not sure I'll be able to get the damn gate open but I'll take a look at it.
I'll post a reply when I get home.

 

[motorheadmike]

Mike,
I managed to find a part # for the attaching link, but not the plastic bushing. I'm sorry I don't a spare to offer you. Anyhow, here's the part # 20051272. You never know, one could materialize out of nowhere. Good luck!

Your local GM dealer can do a search for the part(s). They may be collecting dust on a dealers shelf somewhere.

Oh, it should be the same part as used on an El Camino. That should make it easier to locate.

Thanks, Jack - I ran that number through Google and came up with this:


Gasket, tailgate hardware

OEM part number: 20040320

Window lock striker



Pinion, tailgate hardware

OEM part number: 20055241

Tail gate hinge



Clip, tailgate hardware

OEM part number: 09718747

Solenoid to lock assembly



Retainer, tailgate hardware

OEM part number: 20025640

Torq rod tail gate



Rod, tailgate hardware

OEM part number: 20023320

Torq tail gate hinge



Clip, tailgate hardware

OEM part number: 20060565

Tail gate torq rod




Link assembly, tailgate hardware

OEM part number: 20051272

Tail gate hinge torq rod



Shim, tailgate hardware

OEM part number: 20093974

Tail gate wedge gate side



Plate, tailgate hardware

OEM part number: 20053025

Guide tail gate hinge torq rod link

 

[motorheadmike]

Mike, I looked through my piles of crap in my garage because I grabbed the bracket and bolts off the donor wagon when I got the other rod for my car. I havent found it and Im really hoping I didnt toss it thinking I would never have a use for it. My garage is a real mess so Im hoping its still out there buried under some larger part. I have to go to a doctors appointment tomorrow at 1PM but right after that I'll swing by a yard that just got an Olds wagon in. I was just there yesterday checking out the tailgate plastic for a guy on FB but the majority of the interior plastic is shot. I noticed the lock on the gate was broken. Im not sure I'll be able to get the damn gate open but I'll take a look at it.
I'll post a reply when I get home.

Any help would be sincerely appreciated. If the drip rail trim is any good I'd be interested in that stuff too. 😉

 

[mikester]

Any help would be sincerely appreciated. If the drip rail trim is any good I'd be interested in that stuff too. 😉

From what I remember most of the anodized trim was still on the car but I'll look at it when Im there.

 

[motorheadmike]

From what I remember most of the anodized trim was still on the car but I'll look at it when Im there.

Paint quality is fine by me - this is just a driver. Cheers!