Folks,

I have a 1990 745 with a seized tailgate lock. I removed the tailgate panel, unbolted the complete handle, lock and license plate light assembly, disconnected the levers and wires, and removed the complete assembly. Then I removed all the c-clips and washers on the back side of the lock tumbler assembly. The tumbler is corroded solid and I cannot remove it. I surmise that the tumbler is pushed in from the front but it won't push back out. I tried to work the tumbler free from the back but all I managed to do was break off the rear stub on the tumbler. The key cannot be fully inserted into the tumbler. The tumbler is surrounded by a metal sleeve and I don't see how that is held in place (other than salt and dirt between the sleeve and the plastic housing of the tailgate handle assembly. Obviously I have to buy a new lock. So my questions:

- How do I get the old lock out? Drill it out?

- Where is the best place to buy a new lock?

- Can I get a lock that is keyed to my existing locks?

- Does the replacement lock include the outer sleeve or is it just the tumbler?

As usual, all help will be greatly appreciated from this great forum.

Bill