Wagon Tailgate locked

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MikeBlasey

n00b
Feb 4, 2020
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I have a 79 Pontiac Lemans Wagon. The rear lock handle is broken off and I can't get the tailgate to open. I removed the latch bolts to get the glass open. Is there any way to manually open the tailgate? It may be locked, not sure.
Please help.
 

PBGBodyFan

G-Body Guru
Mar 3, 2009
792
1,220
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Wisconsin
If you can fish down the latch opening you might be able to get the latch to open up. It depends how careful you want to be with that tailgate plastic panel. I've gotten a couple open in junkyard wagons that I didn't care about the metal around the lock, which is admittedly easier than not caring about the panels. But if I recall the tailgate latch doesn't need a ton of movement to open up, would think a screw driver through that top opening can get it with some maneuvering.
 
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blk7gxn

Royal Smart Person
Feb 7, 2019
1,390
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Your latch handle is broke, but cant you still turn it with the key CAREFULLY to get it open this time, just to get it open to repair it. Use a pair of Pliers and hold the key tight to the gate lock and turn it, should open it up. WELOCME by the way! Love to see your wagon sometime!
 

ssn696

Living in the Past
Supporting Member
Jul 19, 2009
5,543
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Backup plan is to inset a thin metal strip on each side of the tailgate to push in the side latches. Anyone tried this?
 
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