Tailgate Takedown

Original '78 tailgate severely rusted due to Indianapolis salt Owner Dented but the trim looks great. Owner Rust holes had once been went over with Bondo but rusted through. Owner This retainer clip is attached to the acorn nut that hold the trim on. These nuts are on the far ends of the tailgate. There are four of th… Owner The other tailgate trim retainer clips look like this. Owner The letters can be removed by prying either side of the letter with a small flathead screwdriver. Notice the prongs and the holes that they… Owner This is what the window looks like when it's sitting down in the tailgate. Owner This is the window holder with the window removed. Removal is easy. Just undo four nuts and lift off. Remove the old grease and use new gre… Owner Here's the lock cylinder. To the right you can see the window track which is held on by two bolts. Owner This is the window track once it's removed. Owner The tailgate endcaps have no practical use other than covering up some ugly poorly-painted metal. Owner Window mechanism and motor removed. Engine degreaser and dielectric grease will make these things look brand new. Owner Close-up of a used window regulator mechanism, likely for a vehicle door. AI caption Close-up of a vehicle's tailgate latch mechanism, showing internal components and signs of wear. AI caption The internal mechanism of a vehicle's tailgate latch shows significant rust and wear. AI caption This is the tailgate lock cylinder as viewed from the top of the tailgate. Notice the retaining clip located half way up the cylinder. To r… Owner Tailgate lock cylinder as viewed from the side. Owner This is the cylinder lock. All that remains now is to pry out the retaining clip that holds it to the tailgate. Use a small screwdriver. Th… Owner Window regulator and wiring harness components are displayed on a workbench surface. AI caption