I'm the proud owner of most of a 72 Vista Cruiser and one of the big issues I have to deal with is the tailgate, it's beat to hell and rusty which I'm not opposed to, but the motor was bad, the lock switch doesn't work, only the bottom latch works if I operate it by hand. The key switch does nothing but the dash switch does send power back there. My question is whether or not a manual crank tailgate, or even just the mechanism out of something slightly more common like an impala or Malibu wagon would work? Or even a power one if I could get the whole assembly. I have a 72 Fisher body manual and it shows how to adjust the latches and synchronize them..seems like a nightmare. But I would be happy to do the work if I could just find something to make it function mostly right.

 

I have a decent pretty complete tailgate here in Indianapolis. It has a little bit of rust in the very bottom of it but overall it's not terrible. Shipping this heavy beast would be quite pricey maybe you could pick it up? Not sure where you are?

 

I'm just south of Kansas city.. Is it a crank tailgate or a power one?

 

Power. I use Fastenal to ship larger items. Not sure what the cost would be but I'd guess $100.00- $150.00?? Get me the address & phone number of your local Fastenal store & we'll see what we can work out?
Call with questions?
Scott
c. 317-727-7041

 

Olds442redberet has a real nice tail gate in Alabama, maybe contact him?