Broken Tailgate Cable

[russell.berry@ve]

1984 Turbo Esprit was delivered about a week ago and the excitement has been dampened by the events of the week! I'll reserve the blow-by-blow for another time but right now I am badly in need some advice on how to open the tailgate now that the cable has snaped. I removed the seats, tailgate release latch and bulkhead trim panel in hopes of discovering an access panel which would allow me to access the cable... silly me! Have now spent 3 days looking for a way to get at what is left of the cable or the latches to release the tailgate. Can anybody help?

[ErnestM]

There is a "trade secret" to doing it (I don't know it). However if you contact Clyde Sheperd at Lotus Cars USA

www.lotuscars.com

...he will let you in on it. The only other way that I know of is to "break the tail light". However, because yours is a "G" model and the lenses may be hard to come by, I wouldn't recommend it...

ErnestM

[cnh1990]

We have ways to release the hatch is certain circumstances. Were do you believe the cable has broken off?
Calvin 90 SE

[daveoxs2]

Hi im a new kid on the block only had my s2 on the road 2 weeks so i may be very wrong ! but while reading back issues of various forums i remember someone sugested cutting a hole behind the numberplate and gaining access that way! not for the faint of heart! anyway best of luck

[russell.berry@ve]

Thanks to members for the advise, and thanks to Lotus Cars USA for input! Unfortunately, I had only minor success...
Drilled a 2 inch hole behind the number plate but could not get my hand in to "feel" for the cable. OK, down to the hardware shop for a 3.5 inch bit. Now I can get my hand in! Got the cable, pulled on it, only to eventually, pull the cable right through the driver (left) side latch without releasing it! Pulling on the cable now sounds like it is operating the passenger (right) side latch but I'm obviously not "winning" as long as the other latch remains closed. Seems I'm left with no alternative than to break through the tail light assembly to get to this left hand latch. I'm going to wait 48 hours before I do anything else to see if anyone has any further advise! Frustrated but still laughing... I now have an '84 turbo with a 3.5 inch hole in its buttocks, and a tailgate that still will not open!... Chapter 1 in the book that is yet to be written!

[rob.e]

russell.berry@ve said: Thanks to members for the advise, and thanks to Lotus Cars USA for input! Unfortunately, I had only minor success...
Drilled a 2 inch hole behind the number plate but could not get my hand in to "feel" for the cable. OK, down to the hardware shop for a 3.5 inch bit. Now I can get my hand in! Got the cable, pulled on it, only to eventually, pull the cable right through the driver (left) side latch without releasing it! Pulling on the cable now sounds like it is operating the passenger (right) side latch but I'm obviously not "winning" as long as the other latch remains closed. Seems I'm left with no alternative than to break through the tail light assembly to get to this left hand latch. I'm going to wait 48 hours before I do anything else to see if anyone has any further advise! Frustrated but still laughing... I now have an '84 turbo with a 3.5 inch hole in its buttocks, and a tailgate that still will not open!... Chapter 1 in the book that is yet to be written!

Russ - i've never had this myself, but i seem to remember a posting some time ago (maybe on yahoo?) where a guy had got the thing open by managing to 'twist' the body slightly by parking so one wheel is up on a high kerb, then pulling/flexing the tailgate from the side that has released.. A bit of pulling and twisting but the other side did eventually release. It may not work, but its got to be worth trying before you break anything.

[russell.berry@ve]

SUCCESS!!!!!
Eventually discovered that a 3.5 inch hole drilled through behind the number plate would just about let me reach both the right and left latch assemblies with the tip of a finger. Employed a pair of channel lock pliers to operate the release on each of the mechanisms and eventually got the tailgate open! I will write up all the details of the procedure and include some digital pics for any members who may encounter this in the future (give me a couple of weeks to get it fully documented). Thanks to all who offered very appreciated advise!!!!
Best
Russ

[lotusguy]

russell.berry@ve said: SUCCESS!!!!!
Eventually discovered that a 3.5 inch hole drilled through behind the number plate would just about let me reach both the right and left latch assemblies with the tip of a finger. Employed a pair of channel lock pliers to operate the release on each of the mechanisms and eventually got the tailgate open! I will write up all the details of the procedure and include some digital pics for any members who may encounter this in the future (give me a couple of weeks to get it fully documented). Thanks to all who offered very appreciated advise!!!!
Best
Russ

Russ,


That's great! Do yourself a favor and get some Stainless steel cable and cable stops from a bike shop. Using the cable stop, splice the Stainless cable into the release harness between the two latches and run it down through the drain pipe for the hatch. That way, should this ever occur in the future, you'll have an emergency release. All you'll have to do is rach under the car to give it a tug. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

[janszott]

my PO had that problem and cut a hole in the bottom of the trunk so he could reach up and release. At least the carpet covers the hole

Jan
91SE