Been thread searching but not finding this -All of a sudden the hatch won't open on my 85 wagon. The key turns, the handle pulls, but no go. Trying to remove the inside panel (without breaking anything), but it is difficult to get a trim tool in there from inside with it shut. Anyone have tricks or tips to help with this?

Get in there & simply pull it inwards from the top with a long flat screwdriver. The trim doesn't interfere with the inside trim.

Yes, you might break some clips, but you shouldn't damage the trim itself.

but first, try getting someone to lean on the outside of the tailgate and pull the handle, then push it outwards from the inside.

Could simply be something caught in the catch. I've had it happen.

Thanks wagonist,   got it open without incident. Still don't know why it stuck.