It appears someone tried to break into the tailgate on my 1989 S10 Blazer
and now the lock handle is disconnected from the lock cylinder. The handle
is loose and doesn't pull on the latches to open the tailgate. I can still
open the window via the switch on the dash. How easy is it to replace the
tailgate lock/handle? Can the inside panel be removed with the tailgate in
the closed position? I'd like to do it myself but don't want to damage the
latch control (then the window will be stuck open!)

Anthony wrote:
Not hard once you access the latch rods to open the gate.

Can the inside panel be removed with the tailgate in
Yes, BUT there are two screws that you cannot get to with the gate
closed. There are a row along the bottom of the gate, and there is one
on each end that you cannot get to with the gate closed.

However since you can open the glass you should be able to reach down
into the latch and open the gate. You need an L shaped rod with a hook
on the end.

I'd like to do it myself but don't want to damage the

--
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York

"Steve W." <csr684NOT (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

Would a screwdriver work? I'm assuming I have to push down on the lever
that's connected to the lock cylinder?

Spiderman wrote:
You need to pull up on the arm that operates the latch rods. I don't
think you can get to the one on the right side of the lock unit that you
could push against.
The 94 that I am scrapping has the same latch and it is offset to the
left of the lock itself. Turn left pulls down on the latch for the hatch
and turning to the right unlatches the tailgate.

--
Steve W.