'88 'vert - hatch won't open
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
'88 'vert - hatch won't open
Just tried to pop the hatch on my '88 'vert and one side releases but the other (drivers) does not. 
Is there a manual release some where? Any ideas where to start looking? Work fine the other day when I put the top down.
Hope its not going to rain any time soon.
Thanks
Is there a manual release some where? Any ideas where to start looking? Work fine the other day when I put the top down.
Hope its not going to rain any time soon.
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,390
Likes: 693
From: Boise ID
Sorry, I did not read your post well enough. When you said hatch I was thinking of the top 
. Yes, you may have to pull some carpet back. It's been so long long since I messed with it I can't remember. You may try having a helper push the button while you try pushing down or pulling up at the same time.
. Yes, you may have to pull some carpet back. It's been so long long since I messed with it I can't remember. You may try having a helper push the button while you try pushing down or pulling up at the same time.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
Originally Posted by 87SAM
You may try having a helper push the button while you try pushing down or pulling up at the same time.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 0
From: Mickleton NJ
I had the same problem. Get a small pair of pliers , and open the latch, just grab the ear on the latch and open. You have to crawl in the back. Once it releases , if it don't pop out , try folding the top , like your going to store. You may have to adjust the pin, another great idea from Gm, Good luck Jim.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
Originally Posted by Jim D
Get a small pair of pliers , and open the latch, just grab the ear on the latch and open. You have to crawl in the back. Once it releases , if it don't pop out , try folding the top , like your going to store.
As far as the top goes, it's a;ready down - that's the problem, can't get the cover opened to get the top back up.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,390
Likes: 693
From: Boise ID
Just to a looked at mine. On the outer side of the latch mechanism there is a cable running towards the rear over the wheel well. It has a couple inches of exposed cable where it enters the latch where some pliers could grab a hold to release the latch. That is with the hatch open. I don’t see how you could ever have access with the hatch closed.
There are four flat head screws holding the brass colored latch ASM (item 8 on the second picture) that I think you could get to. With that removed it may allow you to pop the hatch. Good luck! Looks like a real pain in the ****!
There are four flat head screws holding the brass colored latch ASM (item 8 on the second picture) that I think you could get to. With that removed it may allow you to pop the hatch. Good luck! Looks like a real pain in the ****!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
Yeah!
Got it! 
Who knew - there's a manual release cable (had to dig like heck to find it though) so i was able to get her open. Once open I was able to figure out that the solinoids on each side are working so i suspect that something (the carpet I think - it looked kinda bunched up) was binding or blocking the ltach from fullly operating.
In any event - at least I won't have to drive in the rain tomorrow with my top down - I like being excentric but that looks just plain dumb.
Thanks for your help
Who knew - there's a manual release cable (had to dig like heck to find it though) so i was able to get her open. Once open I was able to figure out that the solinoids on each side are working so i suspect that something (the carpet I think - it looked kinda bunched up) was binding or blocking the ltach from fullly operating.
In any event - at least I won't have to drive in the rain tomorrow with my top down - I like being excentric but that looks just plain dumb.
Thanks for your help
