I like the collectors edition window hatch, but would this be possible to be put on an earlier model? I know anything is possible given enough funds but ive never actually seen one in person to see what would and wouldnt transfer

 

I have read on here of others doing it , its said the mounting points are in all the 82 cars ready to go. biggest trouble seems to be finding the hardware and there was a problem with the hinges distorting .

It would be a great mod to do .

 

While I love the rear hatch window.... there were issues in the design.

The rear hatch hardware was made by GM on the fly and cheaply…. The original hinges were made of pot metal and over time they would open up causing the rear window to not seal. There has been many discussions over this topic over the years.

I can’t tell you how many times we sold an original NOS rear window weatherstrip to customers and then they would complain that the rear glass would not seal. Even though the weatherstrip was NOS and made exactly as the original with the hinge issue it won't seal unless you boost it upward with another seal under it.

What happens is the U hinge opens up over time, this causes the rear window to lift upward and and backwards... Over time it will not touch the weatherstrip at the top and also will cause the locking (pecker bolts) bolts at the rear to start hitting the oval hole in the rear plastic trim of the car. I’ve always considered this a way to know that the U hinges has opened up and causing the issue.

So….. What are your options. I wish I could find a NOS hinge because I have the ability to make these out of steel instead of pot metal… but I can’t seem to find a good one to use as a template. Buying used is probably buying an original and the odds of it being in good shape are IMHO, slim and none..

Willcox

 

There is a guy in USA making good quality replacement hinges hat do not bend, they are great and well made- see cube studio.