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'84 hatch/handle repair


PetesPonies

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1983
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Ranger
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2.3l
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Manual
Well I redid my hatch and got my '84 only latch working correctly. This one needs the key to operate. But the hatch being fiberlglass means a stiff turn on the handle, even without a key and the entire assembly will turn. This chews up the fiberglass and then you have a sloppy piece of junk. This is what I found with my '84 I just purchased. So , I made a metal insert that was notched as needed to fit the handle/lock assembly. I recessed it into the fiberglass and covered it back up. Now I have metal embedded in the fiberglass which is what Ford should have done from the beginning.
 

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TAZ84BroncoII

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1984
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2.9 soon to be 4.0
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Manual
i agree

i drive a 84 bII, and have had that exact prob with my tailgate ever since i got it. granted its a nice option incase your a dumb a** and leave your keys inside. but i do need to get that little addative done because of the stereo that i have inside.

dan
 

PetesPonies

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east coast
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1983
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Ranger
Engine Size
2.3l
Transmission
Manual
Well follow my pictures and you can do it :)
 

Hawkeye58

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1984
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Ford
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Manual
Mods

Real nice ideas on doing the needed mods to get the handle to work.
I have my hardware, now I have to decide which way to install. I have a feeling I will end up with a hybrid of different hardware married together along with the repositioned key cylinder. Basicly a '88 gate with the opening window of a '84. Best of both worlds.
Thanks for the inputs on this you guys. You are really helping me get the feel for what I intend to do. This forum is a huge help.

Hawkeye :icon_thumby:
 

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