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1958 Plymouth Suburban tailgate release not working
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hyemom
Posted 2024-08-31 11:35 AM (#636770)
Subject: 1958 Plymouth Suburban tailgate release not working


New User

Posts: 4

Location: California		The release latch stopped working and I can’t put the tailgate down. Window crank works fine. This is my daily driver, so a functional tailgate is handy for getting groceries. ?? I read an old thread with some tips on trying to release it with a thin screwdriver, but no luck. Any suggestions?



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56D500boy
Posted 2024-08-31 2:35 PM (#636771 - in reply to #636770)
Subject: RE: 1958 Plymouth Suburban tailgate release not working



Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10270
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Location: Lower Mainland BC		.
You might have to figure out a way to remove the inner panel on the tail gate (It might get ugly) in order to access
the latching mechanism.

From what I have read in the 57 Dodge (same basic wagon body as all Mopars in those years) Factory Service Manual , the two latches are released by cables.

You will need to find a way to access those cables, even one side at a time and pull on them (towards the center of the tail gate) to release
the latch (and then repeat on the other side).

Good luck





Edited by 56D500boy 2024-08-31 2:37 PM




(57SuburbanTailGateDiagram.jpg)



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Powerflite
Posted 2024-08-31 4:19 PM (#636772 - in reply to #636770)
Subject: Re: 1958 Plymouth Suburban tailgate release not working



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Location: So. Cal		If the window isn't cranked all the way down, it won't let you open the tailgate. A couple of times, it looked like the window was all the way down on my car, but the crank wasn't quite there. So it wouldn't let me open the tailgate. After I realized that and cranked it down another 1/4 turn, it worked fine. I suspect that there may be an obstruction/buildup of dirt that won't allow it to crank it down all the way, or that the mechanism may need to be adjusted.
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hyemom
Posted 2024-08-31 7:27 PM (#636773 - in reply to #636771)
Subject: RE: 1958 Plymouth Suburban tailgate release not working


New User

Posts: 4

Location: California		Wow, this is EXACTLY the diagram and information I was looking for! (I’ve searched in vain online). On the 58’s the tailgates inner panel won’t fully open with the tailgate closed. So far, with the top row of screws out of the panel, I had been able to squeeze my hand in far enough to feel the release cable, but had no idea how to proceed without even knowing how that cable operates. THANK YOU so much and stay tuned if I’m able to get “Bertha’s” tailgate fixed, armed with this very useful information!!!

Edited by hyemom 2024-08-31 7:29 PM
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hyemom
Posted 2024-08-31 7:35 PM (#636774 - in reply to #636772)
Subject: Re: 1958 Plymouth Suburban tailgate release not working


New User

Posts: 4

Location: California		Thankfully the window works great and is fully functional. The release latch suddenly stopped working. It feels like it is not attached to the release cables, as it just flips loose now when you push the button. I appreciate the suggestion, though! Thank you for taking the time to contribute. Much appreciated!

Edited by hyemom 2024-08-31 7:40 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2024-08-31 8:58 PM (#636775 - in reply to #636774)
Subject: Re: 1958 Plymouth Suburban tailgate release not working



Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10270
500050001001002525
Location: Lower Mainland BC		.
The FSM talks about cables and since you can't really push a cable, I presume that you will have to pull on the cable(s) and/or the bit to which the cable attaches.

Use a flashlight to investigate what you can see. Consider using needle-nose ViceGrips to grab and pull.


Edited by 56D500boy 2024-08-31 9:02 PM




(57SuburbanTailGate_LatchCableInfo.jpg)



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deertrail
Posted 2024-10-28 1:49 AM (#637548 - in reply to #636770)
Subject: Re: 1958 Plymouth Suburban tailgate release not working


Member

Posts: 10

Those old mopar wagons can be tricky. I'd try spraying some penetrating oil around the mechanism first, let it sit overnight. Might help loosen things up.
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