78 LTD tailgate handle

Can anyone tell me what retains the tailgate handle to the tailgate mechanism? 1978 LTD wagon.


It doesn't have any screws or clips.
I have the mechanism off the car, but how does the actual handle attach to the mechanism?

It's a mystery to me. I have the handle off it pushes onto a rod attached to the actuator mechanism, but nothing holds it on, no screws, no clips, nothing. The rod is a 1/4 inch round male with 2 flat sides the orifice in the handle is 1/4 inch round female with 2 flat sides, it locates perfectly, but nothing appears to hold it on.
If someone has one of these wagons, could you take a look?

 

IIRC, it doesn't actually attach, it only just pushes on the mechanism inside. It's like the door handles where you push the button, the button pushes on a lever inside.

 

Welcome Blackvelvet. ‘78 LTD is a lovely wagon. Looks like it’s light Jade. Pretty wagon. Welcome to the Forum.

 

Thanks both guys.
60Mercman
I just got the wagon, the body is perfect, same underneath. Just needs a headlining.
I also have a 75 Dodge Monaco, and a 93 Buick Roadmaster wagon. All low miles.
The paint code on the LTD is 7L Light Jade Glow Metallic

Silvertwinkiehobo What stops the handle just falling off......Which it has?

 

Thanks. I have a light jade colored one as well. That was actually and extra cost color on those.

 

Make sure you post it, the Buick, and the Monaco in the “American” station wagon thread. I’m gonna scoop Mr Wagoninsane when I say this, but we do love our pictures. What part of the country are you in? In the Southwest here and still run across these from time to time.

 

Brace yourselves. I live in a place called Snowdonia, Wales.
You can Google it.

 

Welcome to the forums Blackvelvet! Hope these guys get your tailgate problems rectified for you. (a lot of great and knowledgeable people around here!) Would LOVE to see some pictures of your rides when you get a chance to post some! Good luck with your wagon, hope you enjoy the forums!.....Longroofs Rule!

 

My friend Joe has a '73, and he has a set of factory manuals. The design is the same, so I'll see if I can find a pic or diagram. I actually don't know how the handle itself is attached, so hopefully we both will learn something.

 

Thanks Silvertwinkiehobo, I Spent the afternoon working on it.
Its ridiculously simple. It's now attached.
If anybody has this happen to them I will explain it.
Rock Auto does reprints of the factory manuals. I bought all the volumes for 78 Ford.
Thanks to all who replied.

 

. I did and WOW! Looks to be a spectacular area! We all would love to see some pictures of your rides with the extraordinary scenery for the back drops!....Longroofs Rule!

 

It is an outstanding place to live we have a house in the mountains.
I will get some pics posted of my cars, all American, I have been buying American cars since I was very young.
I also learned to fix everything on them myself as I'm sure everyone on this site did.
Station Wagons and vans have always been my favorites.
In the time I spent in Canada and USA I had a Pontiac Stratochief wagon, wish I had it now.
I don't know if this post belongs here, I will leave it to the moderators.

 

Was that a Canadian poncho wagon?

 

IIRC, it was. But, the one I saw was a looooooong time ago, so my apologies if I'm incorrect.

 

It was a Canadian. The Pontiac top car at that time was called Parisienne. Mine was a 1962 wagon.
I Loved it.