Copper Nine Eight

How does the backdoor/tailgate suppose to operate on an '83 custom cruiser? Does it open 2 ways or 3 way? Does the back window roll down?

Just for reference i will post the craigslist link
https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/ct...700119282.html

lshlsh2

On my 85 it opened 2 ways and yes the window rolls down.

Copper Nine Eight

Thanks!

Allan R

Some additional info for you.

Copper Nine Eight

NICE! I Appreciate that!

joe_padavano

All 1977-1990 Custom Cruisers (as well as all the other B-body wagons of that vintage) have a two-way tailgate. It opens as a door with the glass up, and as a tailgate with the glass down. The problem with these is that the bushings in the left side hinges wear and the heavy gate sags. As a result, the gate doesn't close quite all the way when you open it as a door. This prevents the safety interlock from engaging, which prevents the gate from being opened as a tailgate - the RH latches aren't fully engaged. This also causes the DOOR AJAR light to stay on, which is why many of these wagons have that bulb removed or the switch in the gate jumpered. You frequently have to slam the gate and even pull up on the outside handle when doing it to get the upper RH latch engaged all the way.

jaunty75

Can those bushings be replaced? Are they available?

joe_padavano

Can they be replaced? Sure.

Are they available? No, well certainly not for that specific application. I looked into this when I had mine. McMaster Carr has bronze bushings that are close, but you still need to do some machining on them to get them to fit. It's not a lot different than rebuilding door hinges, but the kits are not available.

jaunty75

Cool. Thanks.

Copper Nine Eight

Thanks joe, just the info i needed!