Rear Hatch Remove and Replace
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
Rear Hatch Remove and Replace
Hey guys, hope everyone's having a good new year. I can't find anything on YouTube, so next best idea is here. Last year some kids took a pellet gun to my back windshield (or so I believe lol) and the rear glass shattered. Now I'm a penny pincher and also enjoy working on my own cars, so I figured a new hatch would be cheaper than getting new glass.
Well 7 months later, I'm about to return home after a deployment and I'm about to start the project. So does anyone have experience or advice on the removal and replacement of the rear hatch on a base model coupe? 08 if it makes a difference.
Well 7 months later, I'm about to return home after a deployment and I'm about to start the project. So does anyone have experience or advice on the removal and replacement of the rear hatch on a base model coupe? 08 if it makes a difference.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 1,728
From: Summerville SC
Buying a new hatch isn't going to save you anything. If nothing else, you ned to find one the same color as what you have. I would suggest that if you don't have insurance, pay the local guy to do the job. If there are issues later, he is local. You are supporting a local business who might be able to work with you on any future glass repairs. And ask if he has a cash discount. You never know unless you ask. And thanks for your service. 
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,592
Likes: 1,672
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
Corvette salvage yards would have the complete hatch, although shipping costs and repaint if needed might make that cost more than just a glass swap.
Pulling the hatch basically involves removing the "halo" (roof bow) to get to the hinge nuts. Remove interior trim panel, struts and wire connectors and lift off.
Many have posted about painting (or wrapping) their halo with details on how to remove. I would do a search for that. Like this
For what it's worth....Safelite should not always be the "go to" for glass. they quoted $480 to replace a tinted Silverado door glass....got it replaced by a local shop for $200. Shop around.
I would get a quote proving that you removed the hatch and brought it to them for the glass replacement.
Pulling the hatch basically involves removing the "halo" (roof bow) to get to the hinge nuts. Remove interior trim panel, struts and wire connectors and lift off.
Many have posted about painting (or wrapping) their halo with details on how to remove. I would do a search for that. Like this
For what it's worth....Safelite should not always be the "go to" for glass. they quoted $480 to replace a tinted Silverado door glass....got it replaced by a local shop for $200. Shop around.
I would get a quote proving that you removed the hatch and brought it to them for the glass replacement.
Last edited by C6ToGo; Feb 1, 2025 at 09:13 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 219
Likes: 104
I have zero deductible on comp, including glass on all my cars because the cost is low compared to expense of replacement. Road conditions these days lend themselves to flying rocks and other destroyers of car windows. If you don't believe me, drive through Midland/Odessa Texas on I-20.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,309
Likes: 2,211
From: San Antonio, TX
I was quoted 1500 by a local place. Nearest Safelite is about an hour and change away. After paying a tow truck to take it there, the price would be about the same, if not significantly more. Their mobile team wouldn't work with me due to the garage being too small and not meeting the clearance requirements around the walls.
Don't over complicate something that should be easy.
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