I want to hijack the thread for a second and ask your opinions on the fiber hatch!
Fitment?
Did you use stock glass rear window?
Stock trim?
Did it all fit easy enough, or would a body work impaired individual need to pay someone a fortune to get glass and trim custom installed?
My 87 is rust free... (when the hatch is removed!)
I want a lighter, rust resistant replacement.
Just to make sure your questions are answered...
Fitment - It is pretty good on the HO unit. The Design Concepts
seems to be not quite as good, but I stress that I do not have it fully installed with the glass, so I won't commit to any opinion yet. I do like that it has a fully finished underside which the HO hatch does not have.
It should be noted that you should take extra care when installing the lock cylinder to make sure that it fits very tightly. Opening up the area too much allows the lock to be a little sloppy which isn't that great. A nice dremel and patience makes it easier.
Stock glass/Trim - I used the stock glass on the GT. I did not install the trim retainers. In hindsight, I maybe should have, although I admit I resist wanting to drill holes in the fiberglass, and worry about cracking over time. I adhered my trim with silicone, which seems to work well and isn't really noticeable. I don't plan to remove the glass, so it should be fine. I see no reason why you couldn't install the glass as it is not difficult to do. You can save the clips from the metal hatch and install them stock style if you want.
The HO Fibertrends has NO provision for the interior plastic piece to be reinstalled. The Design Concepts does have a finished underside and should install fine. It is the one thing I do not like about the HO piece, although it is a bit lighter because of it.
Alignment - I did not really do body work to make the hatch fit. It really is helpful to have a second person to help you adjust it, though, because it is still difficult to maneuver into place, and getting it properly aligned is extremely important or it will look off. I also noticed that I had to remove the stock metal shims on the hinges for both hatches in order to get them to sit more even with the roof line. It isn't a big deal, but I noticed it for both hatches, and I assume it is just due to the thickness of the fiberglass as compared to the steel.
All in all, I would recommend it for anyone who lives in a rust prone environment because it seems that even "rust free" hatches don't stay rust free for long once you introduce them to a humid climate. If you are constantly getting in and out of the hatch you may want to stay with the steel, though, because with the glass installed (20#) and the spoiler (#10 and levered all the way at the back of the hatch) the SOB is still heavy to hold up, and I don't really like prop rods.
Thanks for the compliments.
