Tailgate Stuck - Help!

[ncowens]

I really screwed up today. The bolt holding the tailgate release rods together on my 99 silverado broke. I was able to remove the rods by unbolting the catches at each end of the gate. i then put the catches back on and like an idiot, closed the tailgate. I thought the latches would stay open and not lock and then I would tie the gate up until i could get some new hardware. Now I can't release the gate!!! Any ideas? I can't remove the taillight assembly to get to the bolts holding the gate up because the release screws are right where the tail gate meets the inside of the truck bed. I can see into the latch assembly and stick a screwdriver in there but can't get the hooks to release from the bolt. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Ape0r]

Can you try removing the handle and pulling them inward from there manually? Not quite sure I understand, but its something to try if you haven't

[silveradoman]

Should´ve taken the tailgate off, try and fish the lever through the hole in the middle of the gate (take off the handle) If you can´t.... well... get yourself a blowtorch, you will not break the latches I can tell you that....

[mjgjr72]

wow that sucks, if i understand what you are saying you removed the rod from the latch to the handle, i would use a drill or die grinder and drill a hole or cut a small section out of the inside of the tailgate (from inside bed) on each side just behind the latch so you can get at the latch release levers, then you can have them welded back in or just paint the cut edges and put on a plastic tailgate gaurd or nice piece of diamondplate on to cover the holes, inless you know someone with long skiny arms that can reach in through the handle opening and get at the latch release levers, good luck with it

[gremlin96]

see if you can fish a coat hanger into the holder for the rods for the tailgate. if you can hook it and pull on each side thay should unlatch.

[ncowens]

Thanks so far for the tips. I am going to try a coat hanger and see if I can get it that way. Drilling the tailgate wouldn't be the worse thing since i can cover the holes up with gate protector. I'll keep you posted on progress and any other advise would be great. Thanks again.