I just bought an 89 camaro RS and the hatch won't shut. I don't think its an electronic pull down but I could be wrong. It was locked and I turned the key and unlocked it but when i pushed it back down to close it, it the latch wouldn't engage. I took a key and pushed the latch down with it and it clicked into place then i turned the key and it unlocked but it won't engage when the hatch is pushed down. Anyone have any ideas?

 

I would first check your accessory fuse under the dash, if you haven't already.

 

if it is a pull down wat i did with mine is weld it shut and disconnect the motor but it will still open with ke just hold it where the hatch fits flush and weld it , if it is not a pull down just take off ur plastic and unbolt the two bolts and u can slide it up untill it hits

 

i'm pretty sure it's a slam shut. i'm thinking just after years of slamming, the latch has moved down. when the weather is nicer i'll go take a look and try and move it back up and see if that works. thanks for the input!

 

np man if it still is moved down from slamming it i would just weld it , then u dont have to worry about it anymore

 

You mean weld the sliders? Took me all of a day getting the parts together to rebuild the pull-down motor. Not a tough job.

 

One other thing, if its electronic close, the trans has to be in park or neutral if its auto trans.

 

Alright so i finally go around to checking out the latch. it was originally a pull down because i see all the wires for it hanging loose. it was converted to a slam shut. there are 3 bolts that connect the latch assembly to the trunk. one on the bottom and one on each side. there are 2 rails which seem like they should slide on each side but they have been welded in 2 places on each side. i assume that was done by the person who installed the slam latch.

at the time i checked it out i didn't have any tools because it isn't at my house. do you think i could loosen up the three bolts and maybe there'd be enough play to move it up enough for the lock to engage? or do i need to get a new latch assembly?

 

You should be able to move it up a little bit.

I hate it when people weld/screw the pull down motor...

 

Agreed. Though I'll take screw over weld. At least I was able to take the screws out and easily rebuild the assembly.

 

hey does anybody know where i can buy a rear hatch pull down mechanism. someone welded mine and in doing so now my hatch doesnt seal all the way in a car wash. i can seem to find them any where. and is there a better place to get parts for a 88 formula then classic industries? they just dont have much for third gens. thanks for the info. james

 

If you are willing to spend the $$, buy one from www.top-downsolutions.com. It will be the last hatch pull down you need to buy.

If not, watch the classifieds.