Rear gate stuck shut

[Zoro]

Closed the tailgate on my 84 wagon and it stuck shut, won't open with the key. Is there another way to gain access?

[johnbendik]

Zoro,

Just went and looked at mine (also a '84 wagon), and there is only a plastic interior panel separating the latch innards from the cabin.  It looks like you could crawl back there with a Phillips and get to it.

The center panel is overlapped on each side by the side panels, so you'd have to remove those first.

Presumably, once you got a clear shot at the latch mechanism you could 'persuade' it into releasing.

Good luck,
JB

[carnuck]

I turn the key and gently thump down on the gate when mine sticks.

[Zoro]

I think my lock cylinder is shot. 

[amcfool1]

take it to a local locksmith, those guys are good at that stuff, its what they do! good luck, gz