C7 General Discussion General C7 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Hatch Closing

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 08:04 PM
  #1  
JerryU's Avatar
JerryU
Thread Starter
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,948
Likes: 12,362
From: NE South Carolina
Default Hatch Closing

Thought I’d start this thread since previous hatch comments are scattered all over. Some time ago someone mentioned you could see the “memory wire” vent work thru a hole behind the license plate. In a more recent post someone said they had their bumper off and worked with the vent and when they reassembled their hatch now closes without the door being opened.
Today I put on a new license plate frame. There is a good size opening behind the license place and you can see the vent open if you look in and pop the hatch release button. It opens almost instantly. It stays open until you close the hatch, at which point it closes. Mine seemed to be working fine. Tried several ways to have the hatch close with the doors closed. Tried from the max opening and several lower levels (figuring there was perhaps less air needing to be displaced.) Never did latch. Opened the door and it latched with very little force from max opening and from a position where it was closed half way! No resolution to the problem but reinforces with the vent open, I still need a door open to have it latch!
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 08:16 PM
  #2  
slief's Avatar
slief
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 25
From: Simi Valley Ca
Default

Or you can simply just put it down and gently push it closed.
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 08:33 PM
  #3  
JerryU's Avatar
JerryU
Thread Starter
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,948
Likes: 12,362
From: NE South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by slief
Or you can simply just put it down and gently push it closed.
There was another interesting post relative to pushing on the hatch. A person who had Museum Delivery said they were told not to push in the center of the hatch since paint cracking has been reported! They suggested pushing on the outer edges. I wonder why they were told they needed to push anywhere?!
In my case, I have watched the hatch deflect so would not push any harder. My solution is to have the door open before I close the hatch, just takes some thought and a few extra steps. It appears some seals or hatch fit is different and the hatch closes with little difficulty. That is not mine. Maybe it will get bettter with time, as some suggest. We'll see.
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 08:36 PM
  #4  
Glen e's Avatar
Glen e
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11,825
Likes: 2,474
From: Ft Lauderdale
Tech Contributor
Default

I will post this every time these hatch threads come up. My gaskets have flattened at 4500 miles so a moderate- not strong- tug using the inside hand pocket shuts it every time with everything closed....
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 08:38 PM
  #5  
KenHorse's Avatar
KenHorse
Team Owner
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 136,140
Likes: 2,432
From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Default

On the paint cracking? Nonsense...it doesn't take that much pressure

Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 08:45 PM
  #6  
LIE2ME's Avatar
LIE2ME
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,956
Likes: 4,811
From: Camden SC
Default

Not to sound like a broken record, but....

How nice it would be to still have the C6 hatch closing mechanism...
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 09:34 PM
  #7  
slief's Avatar
slief
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 25
From: Simi Valley Ca
Default

Originally Posted by Silverblue
Not to sound like a broken record, but....

How nice it would be to still have the C6 hatch closing mechanism...
Yea, that was nice!
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 10:15 PM
  #8  
trivette's Avatar
trivette
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 122
From: st paul minnesota
Default

I agree. The "memory wire" seems like more of a gimmick and really isn't ready for prime time application. They promoted the Hell out of it at introduction time but with many dissatisfied owners it will be interesting if something changes for '15. I don't mind having to give it an extra push to close but resent being fed the false information that this 'new technology' has somehow improved things when in fact it has not.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 10:24 PM
  #9  
BigJoe's Avatar
BigJoe
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
Default

Originally Posted by JerryU
There was another interesting post relative to pushing on the hatch. A person who had Museum Delivery said they were told not to push in the center of the hatch since paint cracking has been reported! They suggested pushing on the outer edges.
Actually press on the two ridges that flow back by the side of the window. The ridges would be the strongest part of the hatch. Works pretty well, but, as you said, shouldn't be necessary.
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 10:26 PM
  #10  
Snorman's Avatar
Snorman
Scraping the splitter.
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,111
Likes: 1,029
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
Default

Originally Posted by Glen e
I will post this every time these hatch threads come up. My gaskets have flattened at 4500 miles so a moderate- not strong- tug using the inside hand pocket shuts it every time with everything closed....
This x10.
I don't have as many miles on my car as Glen, but have had it a little longer than he has. I have the right-hand-closing-sweep down and latch it on the first shot ~90% of the time.

But, I completely understand the OP's concern. I 'thought' the shape-metal technology was going to make the hatch a piece of cake to close.
S.
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 10:38 PM
  #11  
Glen e's Avatar
Glen e
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11,825
Likes: 2,474
From: Ft Lauderdale
Tech Contributor
Default

Originally Posted by Snorman
This x10.

I 'thought' the shape-metal technology was going to make the hatch a piece of cake to close.
S.
So very true...
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 11:58 PM
  #12  
Rad22's Avatar
Rad22
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 14
Default

Originally Posted by Glen e
I will post this every time these hatch threads come up. My gaskets have flattened at 4500 miles so a moderate- not strong- tug using the inside hand pocket shuts it every time with everything closed....
Wholeheartedly agree. 3500 miles. Owned since September 30. Closes first time every time with a good push downward with the right handed slot in the underside of the lid as intended. No problems.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2014 | 12:28 AM
  #13  
bnall40's Avatar
bnall40
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Rad22
Wholeheartedly agree. 3500 miles. Owned since September 30. Closes first time every time with a good push downward with the right handed slot in the underside of the lid as intended. No problems.
Wholeheartedly disagree. Owned since Oct 11 and the gimmick simply does not work on my car! Opening a door is the only answer. I will be taking a closer look though at the "loop" metal catch that secures and locks the hatch. I just noticed today that there is metal to metal wear on the loop and may be just enough to prevent closure? If so, this is an inspection adjustment that should have been caught by a more professional worker. Consider, how many complaints have developed over this one issue! . Corvette has done an outstanding job designing and engineering the fantastic C7 but they are still beleaguered by UAW DNA!
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2014 | 12:31 AM
  #14  
gthal's Avatar
gthal
Safety Car
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,875
Likes: 1,174
Default

My car is brand new and the hatch closes firmly every time using the handle with moderate pressure. No issue at all.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2014 | 03:20 AM
  #15  
JerryU's Avatar
JerryU
Thread Starter
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,948
Likes: 12,362
From: NE South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by bnall40
Wholeheartedly disagree. Owned since Oct 11 and the gimmick simply does not work on my car! Opening a door is the only answer. I will be taking a closer look though at the "loop" metal catch that secures and locks the hatch. I just noticed today that there is metal to metal wear on the loop and may be just enough to prevent closure? If so, this is an inspection adjustment that should have been caught by a more professional worker. Consider, how many complaints have developed over this one issue! . Corvette has done an outstanding job designing and engineering the fantastic C7 but they are still beleaguered by UAW DNA!
You raise a very interesting issue. I also have my car since early October and like you I must have the door open. What surprises me, even pressing on the outer edges (since at least I don’t see the hatch bend) requires a great deal of force to latch. However with the door open, it latches every time with very little force. Perhaps it does have something to do with the latch. Have to look and see if there is a way to adjust it. Can’t wait to get the service manuals!
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2014 | 05:45 AM
  #16  
billbunton's Avatar
billbunton
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Default

Originally Posted by Rad22
Wholeheartedly agree. 3500 miles. Owned since September 30. Closes first time every time with a good push downward with the right handed slot in the underside of the lid as intended. No problems.
Wholeheartedly disagree. 5800 miles, owned since October 2, never closes properly without a door being open. I usually forget to leave a door open, and give the hatch a push as I was told to do during museum delivery.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2014 | 06:08 AM
  #17  
SRQStingray's Avatar
SRQStingray
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 214
From: Sarasota Florida
Default

Originally Posted by Silverblue
Not to sound like a broken record, but....

How nice it would be to still have the C6 hatch closing mechanism...
I agree that the C6 mechanism was better. I have to take the inner handle and basically slam my C7 hatch. If my doors are closed and I don' slam it, inevitably it takes a couple of tries. It was aggravating at first, but I think I have the right slamming force now.

Last edited by SRQStingray; Feb 25, 2014 at 06:27 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2014 | 07:03 AM
  #18  
JerryU's Avatar
JerryU
Thread Starter
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,948
Likes: 12,362
From: NE South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by trivette
I agree. The "memory wire" seems like more of a gimmick and really isn't ready for prime time application. They promoted the Hell out of it at introduction time but with many dissatisfied owners it will be interesting if something changes for '15. I don't mind having to give it an extra push to close but resent being fed the false information that this 'new technology' has somehow improved things when in fact it has not.
My observation yesterday that the “memory wire” vent opened as soon as I hit the hatch open button (have to use a flashlight and look in the relatively large opening behind the license plate, while pushing the button) indicates to me it may not be the mechanism but rather too small a vent for some cars. The other thought raised by bnall40, is could it be the latch adjustment since some cars are fine?
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Hatch Closing





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:51 AM.

story-0
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-4
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-5
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-7
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE