timr@hercules.UUCP (Tim Riordan) (10/08/84)
I recently bought a 1971 Mecury wagon and on the first day I had it, the tailgate quit working. The window would not go up and I could not open the tailgate at all. I was eventually able to get the tailgate open with the aid of two crow bars (to pry open the inside panel which should be removed only when the tailgate is open, given a choice of course). My diagnosis of the problem: lack of lubrication of the upper left door mechanism -- that thing that is a rectangular, chromed, and protruding. Therefore this word of advice to Ford wagon owners. Make sure that the mechanisms at all four corners of the tailgate are well lubricated. On the right side, the essential parts are on the tailgate and should be lubricated when the tailgate is opened as a door. On the lowwer left there is a universal joint that should be lubricated. On the now imfamous upper left, this stuff should be lubricated with the tailgate opened down so that both the door and car parts can be lubricated. For this sort of job I use white grease that comes in an spray can. It may not last as long as heavier grease but it penetrates much better.