I purchased a 1990 Pontiac Firebird formula. I have been slowly fixing the previous owners neglect. I am having problems with the hatch. The first issue is it would not latch. I found out after purchasing a new latch from American camaro & firebird, I could have just reattached the spring. After installing the new latch I thought it would be smooth sailing but no go. The auto part works fine to go up and down. The install point on the passenger side has seperated from the body and the original owner had rigged up some bolts. Is it okay to spot weld this back to the body? The hatch hoop appear to be to far back to grab. Does the hoop need to center on the latch? I know the hatch needs to be adjusted as it sticks out out further than it should. Will getting the hatch adjusted right allow the hoop to center and latch? I am planning on adjusting the hatch this weekned, by actually doing it the right way. I am open to any ideas or words of advice?

 

Anybody?

 

did u try ajusting the actual hatch

 

ignore previous statement


i had the same problem with my hatch i found out that my car had actualy been slammed in the *** end by somthing which pushed the rear body panel to far in for the hatch to latch

 

I hope that is not the problem. While replacing one of the tail lights I found paint overspray on the harness. I am going to try adjust the hatch this weekend and see what that does. Worst case scenario I will slot the bolt holes on the hoop once the hatch is adjusted.

 

Okay I did the complete hatch deal as outlined in the Tech area today. I got it all lined up. I got the hatch to finally work. I just have to put the wing back on, and attach the two screws on each side of deck lid. After a few days I will hook the hatch struts back up after the weather stripping sets up. It sure is nice to have the hatch lined up and the latch working.