Help! '79 Latch Striker rattles like Morse Code

Lscman said:

I'll try putting up with it after I exhaust all other possibilities. I agree that a new hatch seal will minimize noise for a year or two. The noise occurs when the weight of the hatch assembly causes the metal latch assembly to momentarily compress against the striker and lose preload, when you hit road bumps. This is the clatter you hear. If you press down hard on the early hatch system, you'll feel the latch lose it's preload and clearance/noise results.

The early '78-'80 striker design relies heavily upon the seal for compression preload force, as the widely-spaced adjustable bumpers are not adequate. The hatch literally flexes between them under it's own weight and momentum. The oldest latch design does not prevent the hatch from closing further during heavy road vibration, which results in metal-to-metal latch contact and clatter. The hoop latch assembly strictly prevents the hatch from opening, not closing further. This is also why the paint wears off the body on early cars, where the hatch meets the chassis.

The later post-type striker mechanism is a positive clamp design that does not allow the hatch to lift or compress at all, once it's clamped. When properly adjusted, the single post design will not vibrate even when the door seal is completely removed.

Now, if somebody can tell us if the later latch assy can be adapted.......

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