Trying to fix a few problems on my 62 Bel air wagon. Passenger side turn signal will not work and driver's side works fine. Pulled the tail light lenses out to check the bulbs and they were ok. Went to roll down the power back glass so I could open the tailgate and nothing. I'm getting power to the switch under the dash and its distributing it correctly. Trying to figure a way to get to the motor or wiring in the tailgate. There is a panel on the tailgate but I can't get top the screws on the outer edge. Didn't know if someone knew of a secret compartment or trick to get to the wiring for the tailgate. Trying to get the real switch pulled out without breaking anything. Rear glass has come all the way down so the tailgate can be opened.
Those GM wagons were famous for having broken wires in the hinge area of the tailgate wiring harness. I fixed a bunch of them back in the day. Even if the harness looks good the wires can be broken and just held together with the insulation. Don't remember how we got the panel off though, it's been 50 years ago.
Screws that hold the side panel in at the back can't be taken out until the tailgate is open. I've never had a problem out of the rear window going operating. Its been years since I've tried though.
Did you mean to say "Rear glass has to come all the way down so the tailgate can be opened"? Your OP is a little confusing. Are we to assume that you can't get the rear glass rolled down and therefore cannot open the tailgate?
Yes. Rear glass has to come all the way down in order for the tailgate to open. I've got a plan to get the last 2 screws which are on the driver's side (top picture). I checked the switch in the back and it has power going to it.
Put a ground on it and try. Your ground course is a 60 year old rusty hinge if it works, install a discreet ground pigtail
Perhaps, use a 5/16" Phillips head socket, along with either an open end wrench or a battery side terminal ratchet to loosen the screws?
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