Tail Moulding Removal - For a '77 Though

[Toothman]

Sorry to post here for my '77 but this site is the best around for the F100s. I need to make some adjustments to the tailgate latch and purchased a Haynes manual thinking it would have things like that in it. It really isn't much help though unless you want to take the engine out or need a wiring diagram (which is less help as the Australian models are different ). Anyway I think I need to remove the tailgate moulding to get access to the latch but I can't work out how to remove it, there don't appear to be any screws anywhere so do I just pry it off? I've attached a picture so you can see what kind of moulding it is.



Thanks in advance for any help, everyone was pretty nice when I broke the news that I got the later model so hopefully I can slip in a few questions

Cheers,
Corin

[390Nut]

Any screws on the inside of the tailgate, holding it on, perhaps?

Only other idea I could give you is to gently pry it away from the tailgate a bit (and I DO mean GENTLY. Something rigid but not sharp, so it doesn't scratch anything.)

Might be able to see something from the end of the trim (on the vertical end of the tailgate) if you can pry it out a bit, that will help you figure out how it is attached.

Judging by the location of that trim panel, however, tells me it's bolted/screwed down from the back side of the tailgate. That's a single layer of metal there, much like where the "FORD" panel is located.

[Toothman]

Sorry guys, didn't realise I was in Interior. Can I get this moved to Body & Paint?

Thanks for the reply Paul but there's nothing on the inside, I think I'll try the slowly prying it apart option on the weekend.

Cheers.

[390Nut]

Sorry that's the best I could offer. The `74 I have has the same panel on the bottom, with the "FORD" stamped in, but nothing on the top of the tailgate like yours. I do know there are two screws holdng the trim on around the latch on mine, but it looks like the top panel covers that trim piece, so you would still need to remove it to get the small piece off around the latch. Just a guess from looking at your pic there.

Hope you get it figured out.

Oh, and PM heep70, he can get it moved (if he doesn't see it).

[FORDification]

If they're anything like the bumpside trucks' tailgates, there should be a half-dozen (or so) rivets on the backside of the tailgate holding that panel on. Don't start prying or you're going to bend that panel. Just drill out the rivets.

[fordman]

i'm not sure you really have to take the molding off to make any adjustments the bolts that hold the handle on are in behind the latch.

[Toothman]

OK, there were a couple of enclosed nut type things on the inside edge of each side but I ran out of time to look further. I have to drive to a friends house every time I need to go taking things apart as my inner city place is just too small to keep tools etc.. (living in the city is so overrated ) When I go over there I've got to get the necessary jobs done first and then the minor stuff always gets put off.

I'm sure I'll get it sorted on the next excursion.

Cheers,
Corin