Unstuck and Straighten a Bent Tailgate

[Dzimm]

I know there has been topics in the past on bent gates but I haven't seen one this bad before and I haven't heard mention of how to get the gate off when you can't open it.. 

 

This is the gate on SMJ #96 and the top is bent so far in it is almost pinched at the top.  I can't get it open currently, its so wedged that I can't even move the handle.  Anyone run into this before and been able to get it open successfully?  

 

Then the next question is, how hard is it to separate the inner and outer skin of the gate to beat the metal back straight?

[89 MJ]

@ghetdjc320 separated the inner and outer tailgate pieces. I’d try pulling the handle and just actuating the levers inside the gate if you can. 

[Dzimm]

7 minutes ago, 89 MJ said:

@ghetdjc320 separated the inner and outer tailgate pieces. I’d try pulling the handle and just actuating the levers inside the gate if you can. 

How much pulling do you think the handle can take?  I don't really want to breaker the handle or guys prying or pulling on it.  I suppose regardless I've got to get something to move or it will never open.

[89 MJ]

8 minutes ago, Dzimm said:

How much pulling do you think the handle can take?  I don't really want to breaker the handle or guys prying or pulling on it.  I suppose regardless I've got to get something to move or it will never open.

I meant remove the handle when I said pull the handle. What I should have said was remove the handle and try actuating the levers from the inside. 

[ghetdjc320]

Checkout my them read on separating the shells. Pulling in the handle won’t help since it’s bolted to the inner panel

[89 MJ]

The reason I’m suggesting removing the handle is in case the rods or even the tailgate shell if binding up on it and preventing it from moving. 

[ghetdjc320]

https://comancheclub.com/topic/65482-tailgate-straightening/?tab=comments#comment-681767

[Dzimm]

Just now, ghetdjc320 said:

https://comancheclub.com/topic/65482-tailgate-straightening/?tab=comments#comment-681767

Thanks!  That's definitely helpful.  Not as bad as I'd imagine to separate.

 

6 minutes ago, 89 MJ said:

The reason I’m suggesting removing the handle is in case the rods or even the tailgate shell if binding up on it and preventing it from moving. 

I may do that as well, seeing the inside of the gate thanks to ghetdjc320's thread I can at least visualize what's going on in there.  I'm guessing the rod on the right side of the gate is probably pinched, I may have to yank on it with some pliers or pry the gate apart a bit with a long screwdriver through the handle hole to get some clearance for the rod to move.

 

We shall see once I get a chance to tear into it.

[Jesse J]

My mind goes to take a bfh and smack the back to get it straight enough it pops out

[ghetdjc320]

8 hours ago, Jesse J said:

My mind goes to take a bfh and smack the back to get it straight enough it pops out

That’s pretty much what I did once I got the shells apart. Just used a hammer and dolly all the way around.