'89 GW tailgate stuck?

[MReno]

So I have an '89 GW and have been trying to get the rear tailgate to unlatch. I have been able to get the rear window down, but when I try unlatching handle to open, tailgate won't budge. With window up and access panel open, I can see latch mechanisms trying to unlatch, but won't release tailgate. I've sprayed with lubricant/PG Blaster, but still cannot get them to release in order to drop tailgate so I can work on window repairs.

Any ideas, outside of trying to reach hinge bolts to unbolt tailgate?

[letank]

I had the dilemma once, if you have sprayed the inside latch mechanism from inside the tailgate with a long extension spray nozzle, repeat, and as it seems that you have tried, spray again... and hope.

In my case, on the 74 which has a different latching system than the latter 80's system, I had to use a pry bar to bend the tailgate skin edge and a long screwdriver to release the latch, I was lucky it was only the right side.

So I would try spraying different products as everything will help.

If you can reach with a needle nose visegrip and try to twist the inner part of the latch.