TheSamba.com :: View topic - 85 Crew Cab Side Gate Removal...need your help

Fri Jul 29, 2005 5:48 am

I have stripped nearly everything off my 85 Crew (see small picture at left), and have not figured out how to remove the side fold down gates. There is a pin that holds them on, but either they are rusted to the gate or..??

The tailgate was not a problem, but the sides are giving me a hassle. The reason I am removing all of the exterior stuff is so I can get the truck sand-blasted and re-painted the original color.

If you have removed these gates, I would love to know...

Nate

Fri Jul 29, 2005 8:11 pm

hmmm, I'd say they're rusted in. my gates have pins with clips holding them in.
in your situation, I might try a hand held propane torch and tapping with a hammer. heat the area around the pin to expand it trying to keep the pin colder. let it cool slow, don't water quench as it could shrink the hole where the pin goes. since your sandblasting, I guess the burnt paint won't matter.

aside from that maybe soak overnight with penatrating oil ?

good luck :)

Sat Jul 30, 2005 5:07 am

My gates are the same pin and clip that you are talking about...I have a feeling that they are rusted, as alot of the other bolts on the truck took some muscle to get loose (especially the bumpers). Since I don't have a torch to try out your idea, I have been using PB Blaster to try and loosen it up, but so far the penatrant has not worked. Can you suggest a better penetrating oil??

I guess the 20 years of weather has naturally bonded these parts together...

Crankey, I would love to see your truck...any pix yet???

Nate

Sat Jul 30, 2005 1:08 pm

heh, I don't have a digital camera, and my comp won't recognise the scanner anymore :?

I was going to buy a computer but someone stole my car and I ended up buying this truck ...kinda wierd.

anyway, when I get my money situation figured out, I'll save up for a new computer and digital camera.

back to your issue, I don't know what oils my work better or worse but you may get a torch like I mentioned at a hardware store, they arn't expensive.

my truck is a tan basemodel 6 seater. :)

Mon Aug 01, 2005 2:51 am

Hey Nate, if you don't mind taking a ride, you can borrow my torch set up.
Tom

Mon Aug 01, 2005 6:33 pm

Tom, thanks for the offer. But I think I will go to the hardware store and buy a hand held torch and try it.

But when I do get this truck up and going, I look forward to a trip to Vermont...

Sorry I missed the Litchfield show. I was driving back from WI...
Next year I will be there!!!!!!

Nate

Mon Aug 01, 2005 7:26 pm

If you can get a hold of a can of Kroil, you might try that.

Its good stuff.

https://secure.cnchost.com/kanolabs.com/kanopnlu.htm#anchor173855

Tue Aug 02, 2005 8:07 pm

we should get the crews together when you come to VT....