I screwed up ! On my 86 Z28 I was replacing my pull down motor and bolted it up. It turned out to be the wrong one. The replacement was from a 92 RS.
The wire harnesses didn't match up. Well I shut the lid and the lock cylinder is not hooked up yet so the key wil not release it. Now I have the hatch stuck shut and yes the rear plastic is in place so I can't get to the motor from the inside without breaking it. Any ideas on how to get it open?
Thanks in advance,
Ray

 

It'd be easier if I had my car in front of me to look at, but I believe that if you remove the little light on that black plastic hatch panel, the one right on front of the motor, you will be able to access the motor and activate the manual release with a screwdriver.

I might be remembering incorrectly, but go and take a look.

 

Thanks Bull,
But this one has no lite. My replacement one does though. It sounds like I'll have to break it or cut a lite hole myself .
Thanks,
Ray

 

Would hotwiring the electric release work?(If you have it) Should if you just hook it up to a 12 volt source.

 

might I dont know ? good answer I ll try if you tell me how! if you could post directions. i'll try later. gott go to work now.
Thanks,
Ray
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But I still have to get to the motor and then I may as well hit the manual release, If I can figure that out!

 

man thats sucks stupid hatch pulldowns find any good cars in the junkyards lately?

 

I completely bypassed the electric motor and made mine a good ol' manual open and closed by adjusting the height of the motor assembly, and tacked it into place.

 

Good idea , When I get it open!
Thanks!
Ray

 

This is why Im glad i stuck to my original(84) manual hatch release & why id never go with shave door handles.Anyway though if that small light in the rear compartment mentioned before was there.Youd be able to access the slot to insert a flatblade screwdriver.If you want that light anyway you may have to "guess" where the hole goes then release the latch afterwards.

 

HEY! I got it! Didn't break a thing! I hit manual release and turned left with a long screw driver. Tight fit on arms behind black plastic in cargo area ouch.
Thanks all.
Ray