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Looking into getting an '83 custom cruiser

Old Sep 20, 2018 | 06:25 PM
  #1  
Copper Nine Eight's Avatar
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Looking into getting an '83 custom cruiser

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
Old Sep 20, 2018 | 06:29 PM
  #2  
lshlsh2's Avatar
71 cutlass convertible
 
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On my 85 it opened 2 ways and yes the window rolls down.
Old Sep 20, 2018 | 06:55 PM
  #3  
Copper Nine Eight's Avatar
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Originally Posted by lshlsh2
On my 85 it opened 2 ways and yes the window rolls down.
Thanks!
Old Sep 20, 2018 | 07:12 PM
  #4  
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Some additional info for you.
Old Sep 20, 2018 | 11:35 PM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by Allan R
Some additional info for you.
NICE! I Appreciate that!
Old Sep 21, 2018 | 05:58 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by WB8588
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
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.
Old Sep 21, 2018 | 07:03 AM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by joe_padavano
The problem with these is that the bushings in the left side hinges wear and the heavy gate sags
Can those bushings be replaced? Are they available?

Old Sep 21, 2018 | 07:25 AM
  #8  
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Originally Posted by jaunty75
Can those bushings be replaced? Are they available?
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.
Old Sep 21, 2018 | 07:28 AM
  #9  
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Cool. Thanks.
Old Sep 21, 2018 | 10:13 AM
  #10  
Copper Nine Eight's Avatar
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Originally Posted by 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.
Thanks joe, just the info i needed!
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