'84 hatch/handle repair

[PetesPonies]

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.

 

[TAZ84BroncoII]

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]

Well follow my pictures and you can do it

 

[Hawkeye58]

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