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Paint and Body LX Trunk Hatch Alignment & Gap

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hatt67bbx
  • Start date Start date Apr 14, 2021

Hatt67bbx

Member
Apr 13, 2021
4
1
13
Los Angeles
Apr 14, 2021
#1
  • Apr 14, 2021
  • #1
I know this is a common problem with these cars and I've done the standard troubleshooting (new striker and bushing - purchased from LMR) to try and fix the problem but I'm still left with a large gap on the drivers side rear. Originally the hatch did not close but after installing the new strike and bushing along with several adjustments (with & without hatch cylinders engaged) and trial fitments on the striker location I finally got the hatch to close and clasp, but it still feels like it has some "wiggle" play and the gap is more pronounced on one side. FYI, bumpers are not interfering and gapping around the rest of the hatch is consistent. Is there anything else I can do to tighten the gap on the drivers side?
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,872
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203
polk county florida
Apr 14, 2021
#2
  • Apr 14, 2021
  • #2
Ok, and this is just an observation, drivers side, top corner window trim is distressed, or is that an optical situation?
 

Hatt67bbx

Member
Apr 13, 2021
4
1
13
Los Angeles
Apr 14, 2021
#3
  • Apr 14, 2021
  • #3
Rear window trim is broken (damaged clips)...no structural issues with the glass though.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,872
10,542
203
polk county florida
Apr 14, 2021
#4
  • Apr 14, 2021
  • #4
Ok,
Glass ain't structural even a little bit.
It's one piece or a bagillion
Have you had the trim off in that area?
 

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
Apr 3, 2009
2,979
1,626
153
nevada
Apr 14, 2021
#5
  • Apr 14, 2021
  • #5
For gits and siggles, take off both lift struts and check the fittment.
 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp
10 Year Member
Sep 1, 2010
7,387
2,745
194
Kearney, NE
Apr 15, 2021
#6
  • Apr 15, 2021
  • #6
Look at the front edge of the hatch
overhang to the body on both sides. Either the hinges need adjustment or something is very bent. Where the bottom has a gap on the drivers side, the hatch is also almost hitting the body. On the passenger side, that gap is much bigger.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,872
10,542
203
polk county florida
Apr 15, 2021
#7
  • Apr 15, 2021
  • #7
7991LXnSHO said:
Look at the front edge of the hatch
overhang to the body on both sides. Either the hinges need adjustment or something is very bent. Where the bottom has a gap on the drivers side, the hatch is also almost hitting the body. On the passenger side, that gap is much bigger.
Click to expand...
Kinda like the bottom of the hatch is cocked to the drivers side,
What does the gap look at the roof?
 

Hatt67bbx

Member
Apr 13, 2021
4
1
13
Los Angeles
Apr 16, 2021
#8
  • Apr 16, 2021
  • #8
I removed the struts and played around with the location of the striker and it fixed the issue. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
Reactions: glowstang93

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
Apr 3, 2009
2,979
1,626
153
nevada
Apr 16, 2021
#9
  • Apr 16, 2021
  • #9
Well I hit the nail on the head this time without hammering my finger, first time for everything I guess. Glad your hatch is good , now go have some hatch chilli peppers. And I'll try any hatch some more ideas.
 

Hatt67bbx

Member
Apr 13, 2021
4
1
13
Los Angeles
Apr 16, 2021
#10
  • Apr 16, 2021
  • #10
Back to the old 2x4 prop!
 
F

FirstTimeFox90

Member
Sep 3, 2018
16
12
13
Colorado
Apr 16, 2021
#11
  • Apr 16, 2021
  • #11
nickyb said:
Well I hit the nail on the head this time without hammering my finger, first time for everything I guess. Glad your hatch is good , now go have some hatch chilli peppers. And I'll try any hatch some more ideas.
Click to expand...
So, I recently addressed the same issue on my vehicle and again it was the hatch struts. Does anyone know the reasoning or is there a way to correct this while still using the hatch struts?
 

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
Apr 3, 2009
2,979
1,626
153
nevada
Apr 16, 2021
#12
  • Apr 16, 2021
  • #12
I went threw different struts, and now it's fine, can't remember brand it's been years.
 
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