Rear Hatch Lock

[rcj1]

I'm in the Sacramento area and hoping someone around here will be able to help me with the rear hatch lock.

A few months back it stopped functioning completely... I think it's just a matter of putting humpty dumpty back together again, but after a few attempts at getting in there I've managed only to get the hatch closed again.

I'd be happy to drop a six-pack by or some cash to anyone that can help out. Not looking to head to Mudrak's or 4x4labs as those guys are just more than a drive around town... someone's driveway would be fine.

PM me.. thanks!

C

 

[gregnash]

Talk to Georg at Valley Hybrid in Stockton.

 

[GeologistFelix]

Is it the whole latch mechanism, or just the lock that's giving you trouble? My lock was being problematic, and a spray of WD40 into the keyhole got it working perfectly.

 

[The Machinist]

Talk to Georg at Valley Hybrid in Stockton.

This. ^^^

I sprayed some "Lock Ease" into all my locks yesterday and they opened up MUCH smoother today. ...probably not your fix, but might be worth a try. (wd40 works too but might attract dust)

 

[KWalkerM]

well if all else fails after this, talk to georg like others have said "orangefj45" I cant say enough good things about him, he is a cruiser god and has helped me through a loooooooot of projects lol great guy, highly reccomended

first, what isn't working? is the tumbler not turning at all or does it turn but not unlock/lock?

second, have you ever pulled apart the rear lift gate hatch or slammed it in any way and possibly broken a clip inside holding the actual lock mech in place?

can you hear anything rattling around in the lift gate when you open or close it?

if the lock itself will not turn, check your key for wear and whether or not it is engaging the tumblers. spray some wd-40 or other lubricant in the keyhole and try again. if it is not that, your tumbler may have been damaged.

if the key turns, but the lock will not unlock/lock then you probably have something gummed up inside, broke a plastic retaining clip or some other problem with the mechanism. since my truck is not running right now I could try and take a look at it and take some pictures of it assembled with all the parts and I might have some spare clips from taking apart my door skins if you need them.

first you need to answer the other questions, and posting pictures will help if you have any

 

[rcj1]

It's not really a "turning the lock" issue...

Long story short, is that the button on my tailgate was missing when I got it. In place of the button was a short rope... pull the rope and the hatch unlocked... worked like a charm -- locking the hatch required the key, but that was simple enough.

Then I took the Brown Bomber to have its radiator replaced, and the mechanic who did the work went ahead and replaced the rope with a button (without asking). We tested it onsite and it worked a couple of times, but as soon as I got it home I went to unlock it, pushed the button, and there it stayed -- no springback and I haven't been able to open it even from the inside (inconvenient, especially if there's a full load in the back and one can't crawl through to get to the button).

Really I'd just like to get it to the point where I can open, close, and lock the hatch from the outside, and open/close it from the inside.

Pictures enclosed. Hope this makes my issue clearer and no, driving all the way back to the mechanic isn't realistic right now just in terms of the amount of time it would take.

Thanks!

C

 

[cruiserpilot]

I guess WTF was the rad guy doing in the rear hatch?

Remove the 4 screws that hold the cover on the back of the hatch. Then take a look. I had a rear lock that was sticking, and it basically needed to be cleaned up and reinstalled. There is only a spring clip holding the lock tumbler in. I think if I remember that the outer plastic surround will pop out at the same time. Take a look first would be my recommendation.

 

[KWalkerM]

ok take a screw driver and remove the back covers like cruiser pilot said and look at the mechanism and shoot some WD-40 at it to see if it frees up. if that doesn't work, shoot some pics and post them so we can see what is going on and go from there

 

[rcj1]

Will do. Pics tomorrow night. Thanks!!!

 

[rcj1]

Pics enclosed.

The inside button & metal wire that connects it to the latch is what used to be a rope when it was all working.

I am able to open and close the gate from the inside including the latch... just not from the outside. The outside button and lock is not secure.

It was pretty clear to me that I was missing some kind of clip that holds the spring in place. After looking around the inside I did find a clip just resting next to the inside of the latch (photo enclosed).

I'm not entirely sure which piece is missing (if any). I haven't been successful in finding a good close-up diagram.

Thanks again everyone!

C

 

[KWalkerM]

ok I need to open up my hatch tomorrow before work and ill take pics of my assembly, im pretty sure I know what is missing but im not 100% so ill let you know tomorrow. its late now so ya.

I am certain you are missing a few pieces and I might be able to help you out with them. if not, ill point you in the right direction.

 

[sved]

Here's some pictures from my donortruck backdoor lock,looks like your's is missing the plate/hinge that holds the spring in the cylinder.

 

[KWalkerM]

sweet, that works. thanks sved, now I don't have to open mine up, and you are definitely missing that back plate and it appears the plastic clip conectors to the metal rod too.

for those parts, I would highly suggest shooting Georg a PM "orangefj45" and see if he has some of the parts available for purchase ad if not that try Specter or any of the other cruiser parts dealers out there. I have a box with some plastic clips from my spare set of doors that might if you cant get those anywhere

 

[rcj1]

Sweet. Thanks! I'll remove the other plate shortly and make sure that plate is not just sitting loose on the other side of the hatch.

C

 

[rcj1]

Good news. I popped open the other panel on the rear hatch and found the rest of the assembly.

From the looks of it I just need to put humpty dumpty back together again. Using those pics from sved (thanks!) as a reference I think I can do it.

Thanks for all of the help!ip

C

 

[KWalkerM]

Good news. I popped open the other panel on the rear hatch and found the rest of the assembly.

From the looks of it I just need to put humpty dumpty back together again. Using those pics from sved (thanks!) as a reference I think I can do it.

Thanks for all of the help!ip

C

sweet! glad we could help you get it back together again.

 

[sved]

I allready suspected you had the missing parts ''stored'' in the hatch.