rear hatch brackets.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
rear hatch brackets.
will be installing lexan rear glass in my 81 drag car and would like to know if anyone has a photo of what the hatch hinges on the 82 would look like so I can possible make something similar. Thanks in advance.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
You know if this was for a drag car I would suggest installing the lexan window with a pin system for easy removal instead of messing with hinges that could be a hassle to make and repair if they break.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 594
Likes: 3
From: Peoria IL
I can post pics of the hinges/struts etc if you really want them but if I was you , I would go with DB's suggestion with the pins.
I have an 82 CE , the hatch is not worth the hassle and is a gimmick at best. The trouble is that the hinges are made from cheap crappy steel and stretch due to the constant stress they are placed under by the struts (even when they are closed) . The end result is that the hinges stretch and the glass migrated towards the back of the car leaving a gap at the top of the hatch that will leak like a sieve
.
You can get replacement aluminum hinges (there are a couple guys that make them ) that are made from aircraft grade material and will never stretch but they will set you back at least $300. You can also get replacement struts (ocasionally on ebay) but these I have heard are stronger than the originals and so your car virtually does a backflip due to the force of the hatch opening so quick
Anyway - let me know if you still need the pics
I have an 82 CE , the hatch is not worth the hassle and is a gimmick at best. The trouble is that the hinges are made from cheap crappy steel and stretch due to the constant stress they are placed under by the struts (even when they are closed) . The end result is that the hinges stretch and the glass migrated towards the back of the car leaving a gap at the top of the hatch that will leak like a sieve
.You can get replacement aluminum hinges (there are a couple guys that make them ) that are made from aircraft grade material and will never stretch but they will set you back at least $300. You can also get replacement struts (ocasionally on ebay) but these I have heard are stronger than the originals and so your car virtually does a backflip due to the force of the hatch opening so quick
Anyway - let me know if you still need the pics
