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08-14-2013, 06:27 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: belmont, ca
Posts: 76
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tailgate not latching on both sides
I just purchased a 1972 2wd blazer. The right side latch does not seem to latch 100% in. The tailgate when closed [feels 100% secure for what ever that is worth. I am not sure if the body spread to far from age/accidents or
if there is a shim kit that is needed. |
08-15-2013, 09:38 AM | #2 |
2WD Jimmy
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Davis County, Utah
Posts: 2,565
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
original tailgate or repop?
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08-15-2013, 01:26 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: belmont, ca
Posts: 76
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
Looks original to me. How can I tell? Do you want me to post pictures?
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08-15-2013, 08:10 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: belmont, ca
Posts: 76
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
The width between the tailgate latch is 66 & 3/8.
The gap on the right is 3/8. The gap on the left is 1/4. When I grab the tailgate on either side and push/pull hard it does not budge at all. Maybe I am over thinking this and it is fine. If the right side is engaging it is probably only engaging a 1/16th of inch. |
08-15-2013, 08:58 PM | #5 |
go cyclones
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Ames, IA
Posts: 1,883
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
With your hatch up can you see how close you are from latching. What do your body mounts look like?
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08-15-2013, 09:32 PM | #6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: belmont, ca
Posts: 76
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
Quote:
of being behind and full engaged. When I try to shake/pull/push the gate from the center/left side/right side it does not budge. I think the PO replace the body mounts. They look fine to me. |
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08-15-2013, 09:37 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 126
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
There is a "little" play in the latch (bed side), try to loosen the bolts just a few turns, bring them as far back as you can,(towards where the tailgate will meet it) and crank them back down. I had the same issue when I went with a repro tailgate. I will admit, even with all the tweaking I did, I still have to really slam it shut to latch.
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08-15-2013, 10:03 PM | #8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: belmont, ca
Posts: 76
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
Quote:
If there is no wiggle room to move it do you think I could dremel the hole just a little? |
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08-16-2013, 06:07 PM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: St Petersburg, Florida
Posts: 154
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
Can you put a washer between the catch and the bed side to move it towards the tailgate? that with give you more bite from the tailgate latch.
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08-15-2013, 09:44 PM | #10 |
go cyclones
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Ames, IA
Posts: 1,883
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
Is your bed square, I am assuming that it is because you have your top on. You can double check by checking the angles(comparing the hypotenuse), of both the bottom and the rails of the bed. Do you have a 6' level to see if you tailgate is not bent.
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08-15-2013, 10:01 PM | #11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: belmont, ca
Posts: 76
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
Quote:
measure from the bottom 66 5/16th measure from the top 66 3/8th |
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08-18-2013, 07:51 AM | #12 |
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: 204
Posts: 903
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
Is the gap even from top to bottom or is it bigger on the top? Check to see if there are welds connecting the bed side to the rear cross member of the bed. Maybe a bedside was replaced at some point.
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1969 Chevy Custom Camper 3/4 ton Rust free survivor 1972 Chevy Blazer CST 4x4 Almost Rust free survivor 1972 GMC Jimmy 2wd Undergoing surgery |
08-18-2013, 01:35 PM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: belmont, ca
Posts: 76
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Re: tailgate not latching on both sides
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