My 03 AE is out of warranty and gm is still going to replace my hatch because the paint is blistering. I am a little concerned about the paint matching. From what I understand the paint on the AE is kinda tricky to match. They said the new hatch will arrive in a week or so. Do you think it will come already painted or will the dealer need to paint it?

Ron

 

Its not the paint blistering its the composite material under the paint. It does not come painted. trial and error will match it pretty close. You have no other choice.

 

I had mine replaced on my 2001 a couple years ago (also out of warranty, but covered).

Things to watch for...
(1) They will probably remove your existing rear glass and reinstall it in the new hatch. I made them pull my glass twice to reposition it - major pain and two more days in the shop. They also recommend letting the new glass sit for 3 days after sealing before the car can be moved - another pain. It is not like a windshield replacement - between hatch slams and air trying to blow it out the back it is more susceptible to coming loose.
(2) If/when they remove your rear glass, they must be very careful not to scratch the black ceramic around the glass perimeter on the underside (they did mine) otherwise it will look like trapped air bubbles in the new hatch (like mine does).
(3) When they repainted my new rear hatch, they painted the entire thing inside and out with the same "gloss" black. I had expected the matte-black on the inside like it was from the factory. In my case I actually preferred the gloss black after I saw it, but you may want to quiz them if you want it in the dull finish.

On the plus side - the replacement hatch looks/works great.

 

How did you all get this replaced if you were out of warranty? How far out of warranty are we talking about?

 

I would like to know as well. I have that same bubbling on my rear hatch.