'73 Grand Safari Clamshell Lock

[Catalina Kirill]

So, last night the security guys from where my car is parked noticed me there were some homeless people sleeping in my car because all doors were just open..
I ALWAYS lock all my doors and double check this so what the hell?!
I found out that when all doors are locked, the lock for my clamshell tailgate CAN be turned and, surprise, it opens (goes down) and people can go in and unlock all the rest of the doors. For the past 4 years of owning this car i always thought the tailgate was able to unlock ONLY when the rear window is up (open) , for which the key is needed. Maybe they broke it, or maybe this is just the way it is. Can someone tell me how those tailgates were originally locked? I'm finding it hard to believe the tailgate can't in fact be locked fully...

 

[melsg5]

Have you looked in the owners manual to see how it locks?
With the window closed, are you able to lock the door with the key?

 

[Catalina Kirill]

Have you looked in the owners manual to see how it locks?
With the window closed, are you able to lock the door with the key?

Nothing about locking in the manual and the key can't lock the tailgate. Maybe they broke it after all?

 

[melsg5]

Nothing about locking in the manual and the key can't lock the tailgate. Maybe they broke it after all?

How many types of keys do you have, a square head and an oval head?
What key shape are you inserting into the lock and does it go completely in?

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[Catalina Kirill]

How many types of keys do you have, a square head and an oval head?
What key shape are you inserting into the lock and does it go completely in?

There's nothing wrong with the key. The key locks all doors and makes the tailgate window go up. It's just the rotating tailgate knob mechanism failing i guess. Some further research thought me there's no other safety or lock option other then the tailgate just doesn't open with the window is closed. Either they broke it, or it was always broke after all and i didn't notice..