gm replacing hatch
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 836
Likes: 89
From: Tucson Az
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
gm replacing hatch
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
Ron
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
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.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
From: Euless TX
