Lift back window
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,687
Likes: 3,139
From: Shamong, NJ
The rear hatch was originally offered as a kit in 78 or 79, by Cars & Concepts. As such, a number of 78-81's had them installed, before GM ever put them in the Collector Edition. At one point, GM considered offering it as an option for 81.
The biggest problem with them that I know of, is the lack of available replacement parts. There is a repro weatherstrip, and you might be able to get replacement struts still, but that's about it. The release handle/cable and hinges, cause lots of problems and aren't available.
The 82 assembly manual should have all the info for installing one though.
The biggest problem with them that I know of, is the lack of available replacement parts. There is a repro weatherstrip, and you might be able to get replacement struts still, but that's about it. The release handle/cable and hinges, cause lots of problems and aren't available.
The 82 assembly manual should have all the info for installing one though.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I agree with GB. The installation is essentially bolt in for the 78-82 cars.
The problem is finding a complete hatch with complete and servicable hardware. Look for a salvage CE and pray someone has not beat you to the hatch.
The problem is finding a complete hatch with complete and servicable hardware. Look for a salvage CE and pray someone has not beat you to the hatch.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,063
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From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
the original GM concept was to make it a true hatchback starting with the greenhouse glass in 1978. according to some of the corvette history books, they couldn't ever do it leak free, so year after year, they continued to play with it and still never felt comfortable that it wouldn't be more trouble than it was worth as far as future problems and complaints. eventually, at the end of the C3 run, it became a reality. i would think some of those same problems would still exist based upon the design of the early C3 models.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
the original GM concept was to make it a true hatchback starting with the greenhouse glass in 1978. according to some of the corvette history books, they couldn't ever do it leak free, so year after year, they continued to play with it and still never felt comfortable that it wouldn't be more trouble than it was worth as far as future problems and complaints. eventually, at the end of the C3 run, it became a reality. i would think some of those same problems would still exist based upon the design of the early C3 models.
