Tailgate Latch Adjustment...HOW?

[designerlarsb]

Guys, any advice on how/if I can adjust and/or realign the swiveling tailgate latch cleats on my (newly acquired) '76 traveler?

The center latch mech and both cleats seem to be still robust and quite functional, just rotated about 15deg too far from years of slamming the hatch carelessly...now they don't align right unless you lift and jiggle the handle and cross your fingers and stand on one foot and try like 10 times...

Iirc the standard sii latches work the same, just positioned a little higher and rotate the other direction. Any help appreciated.

 

[codeman]

You May have to remove the entire lock assy. And pull out the tubes that run from the handle to the latches. I have seen the ends of the "tubes" enlarge. This will allow too much slop and cause problems aligning and securing the lift gate. You should be able to squeeze them back into tolerance in a vise. Squeeze them a little at a time, checking fit as you go so that you don't close them down too much. Lube everything while you're in there.

 

[designerlarsb]

Doh. Well hopefully it's not too big a job. I'll dig in later this week. Thanks bro.

 

[codeman]

A hand-impact screwdriver will help remove the rusted screws in the latches. If you don't have one, they're not very expensive and come in very handy for lots of stuff on these rigs!!! A little pb or wd-40 will help too!!!!