A few days ago, a guy in a Wagoneer hit the back of my 93 loyale wagon, put a nice crease across the tailgate at the level of the license plate and took out the tailight on that side. Is it possible to work a prybar into the latch and get it to open? i could just drill out the lock, but I don't want to really change anything before the insurance adjuster looks at it next wednesday. Any ideas? TIA.

i wish i could help, but this is off topic. sorry, but i had to comment on the apparent irony involved in a mid eighties jeep slamming into an early nineties subaru...... its almost like the jeep was holding a grudge...

Try pulling the panel(s) near the latch(s), then try working the release for that side or both sides from the inside of the tailgate. I've done that to a few vehicles over the years, some of which were quite the PITA to get to and get open. Some I could pull on the control rod that releases the latch, others I had to go at with a screwdriver or prybar to work the release lever.

easiest way to get it open, and if you're replacing it, is to get an air hammer with a special sheetmetal bit on it. I've used one to get to the inner workings on a Avalanche door that was smacked so hard in the side, that the mechanism was FUBAR'd and door wouldn't open.