1982 z28 Hatch gap to fenders

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Feb 5, 2010 | 08:09 PM
  #1  
just a random question, but whats the gap on the rear hatch supposed to be, so the spoiler lines up with the rear fenders, mine is off by like a quarter inch, the hatch sticks out from the rear fenders.
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Feb 5, 2010 | 10:59 PM
  #2  
Re: 1982 z28 Hatch gap to fenders
Got any pictures? There are a lot of people here who canhelp but pictures will make it easier.

Kevin
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Feb 6, 2010 | 12:00 AM
  #3  
Re: 1982 z28 Hatch gap to fenders
ill take pictures tomorrow, but the best i can describe it is, the rear spoiler piece attached to the hatch, sticks past the rear fender spoiler pieces, its supposed to form a straight line, making one whole spoiler or w/e understand?
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Feb 6, 2010 | 12:31 AM
  #4  
Re: 1982 z28 Hatch gap to fenders
Quote: ill take pictures tomorrow, but the best i can describe it is, the rear spoiler piece attached to the hatch, sticks past the rear fender spoiler pieces, its supposed to form a straight line, making one whole spoiler or w/e understand?
Unbolt the hydraulic cylinders from the inside body ,,,not from the hatch.

then take the plastic cover off on the bottom of hatch and u will see some 13mm nuts, loosen them up.
then lock the latch so hatch does not close 100%,,go to the back of the car and slide the metal piece on the hatch to where u think its fine ,,flush with fenders..watch the sides as well, i use carboard stripps to stick in the sides so they are the same distance......once u have all that done , go to the inside of the car ,,lay on your back and tighten the sh.. out of those nuts. Then mount the hydraulic cylinders back to the car and your done...Now , open latch mechanism and check for proper fitment,,if not 100%,,,redo !!!
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Feb 6, 2010 | 02:45 AM
  #5  
Re: 1982 z28 Hatch gap to fenders
Well I know since my 92 rs was in a wreck the hatch was replaced with a z28 hatch, so it doesn't line up exactly right, that could be your problem, do you know the cars history?
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Feb 6, 2010 | 09:23 AM
  #6  
Re: 1982 z28 Hatch gap to fenders
It's a common problem, all thirdgens get it. The rear decklid is "clamped" onto the hatch glass with a whole bunch of bolts from underneath. Over time, the hatch struts, which are always pushing backwards on the deck lid, push it backwards out of alignment. The spoiler should have some adjustment in the bolt holes as well, so once you get the hatch lined up, you'll need to adjust the spoiler as well.

There's a tech article on it, it's pretty easy to do. I did it a few years back on my buddies 89 RS, only took a few hours.

https://www.thirdgen.org/hatchalign
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Feb 7, 2010 | 09:09 AM
  #7  
Re: 1982 z28 Hatch gap to fenders
That is very helpful information. You guys are good.

Kevin
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Feb 7, 2010 | 09:17 AM
  #8  
Re: 1982 z28 Hatch gap to fenders
definitely adjust the two hinges. remove three screws that hold the rear ceiling trim up then loosen those 4 nuts that hold the hinges to the roof panel slide them forward you may need to elongate the holes to get it perfect you might want to remove your spoiler pieces to align deck lid then put spoiler pieces back on and align properly, done.
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