I recently purchased a new tailgate for my '68 El Camino SS. I am in the process of fitting all the pieces to the new tailgate from the old one, but I can't get the bolts loose that hold the tailgate arms to the tailgate frame. They look like large phillips screws, maybe posidrive but I don't have anything big enough to get them off. What tool exactly do I need? Also they are painted on to the old gate, so they are a b!tch to move. These are the three bolts at the bottom of each side of the gate that bolt through the arm into the tailgate. Thanks.

You may need to use an impact screwdriver. All major automotive shops should have one.. about 20-30 dollars for one.
Hope it helps,
Steve

I heated mine up with my torch and used a large phillups screwdrever.Came right out graemlins/hurray.gif

graemlins/waving.gif
Rick

Impact driver will get them loose. When you go for reasembly, trash the phillips head screws unless you are interested in originality. I will be using stainless allen head fasteners on all of the tailgate hardware. They polish up real nice. Also, Ford door hinge pin kits are the perfect size to rebuild the hinges.

I think that they use a #4 allen. I would buy the 3/8 ratchet #4 allen. This way you can get more tork than using a regular allen screw driver.

Team Member #74
65 El Camino