1989 240 Tailgate drama (wagon, dl)

[89jordan240]

So, I just replaced my fuel pressure regulator, MAF (there was a fricken fake one in), and throttle control....I purchased the car last fall knowing it had serious exhaust problems...but around $200 later, the wagon runs beautifully. It is apparent that these mechanical problems were neglected by the previous owner; when I purchased the car my eyes would burn with the windows down due to the amount of fuel being dumped into the engine (roughly 12mpg), black exhaust was seriously prevalent - and unfortunately the tailgate got the worst of it. My tailgate is SO rusted, even though there is hardly any rust on the rest of the car. The wiring is all cracked in the hinges of the tailgate, and my rear defrost turns on whenever it likes..haha. but my real dilemma

I can NOT find a replacement for the tailgate latch anywhere! The whole apparatus, minus the parts inside the tailgate, behind the interior cover, is completely rusted and horrible seized up. I just found the owner key near the gas tank under the cargo compartment under the hatch hahaha, and i thought that maybe the hatch was locked...but it is completely rusted and seized. I mean parts of it are chipping off, I'm guessing this was from terribly rich exhaust all these years pouring up into the seam between the hatch and bumper. Anyway, is this fixable without buying a whole new rear tailgate? Can I purchase a replacement latch (at least the external rocking tongue and guides)? Any help would be appreciated.
Much love, Jordan