I am up grading my spoiler on my 91 Bird, I need to swap out the metal trim ring(2 Piece) that goes around the hatch glass since my spoile mounts to it. Any suggestions or tips before I do this? Looks like I can prop the hatch open with a sturdy support and do one side at a time. Thougts anyone?

Thanks as always!

 

My son and I just did this on his 87 Iroc. You will have to remove the entire hatch from car to do this. The trim flattens out at the top of hatch and the hinge bolts that connects to the glass runs thru it. hope this makes sense.

 

So there is not enough room once the beauty bolts are removed to take the trim off? Mine is 2 piece a left and right side metal trim not a single piece.

 

His was a two piece and you probably could work it off while the hatch is still on but I'm not sure about getting it all back together. I had to use a rubber mallett to work the trim back on after we had sanded and painted it. You can always give it a try and if it doesn't work, just take the other two bolts out. Just be careful and not tighten them too tight when putting them back in. Have seen where others said they shattered their glass. good luck!

 

Awesome! If I can find a body I would rather take it off, I want to tint it while I am at. Much appreciated. Thanks!

 

I did not remove the metal trim from the glass, on the hatch I cleaned up a few years ago. I was worried that I would bend it, essentially rendering it useless.

On mine, the rust was only on the top part that gets exposed to the weather. I covered the glass with painters tape so as not to scratch it. Then I sanded off the rust. I covered most of the glass with newspaper, and sprayed with Rustoleum. It turned out well.

I'm not sure there is a right or wrong way to do this project, this is just a different solution for you to consider.

Edit...I need to read more carefully. This has nothing to do with your issue. Sorry.

 

No worries, still helpful hopefully I can get someone to help me remove my hatch so I can get this done. Thanks!

 

Just be wary that not all hatches are the same. Especially from eary 3rd gens to later yr models. For instance an 85 wont fit an 89. I found this out when my rear window was smashed, I got an 88 for the 89 - fit good ...

The wrap spoiler started in 86.

 

Thanks for the heads up! I have the correct spoiler and metal frame (matched set) the donor was a 91, mine is also a 91. Good to know though.

 

Hi, where did you buy the 2 piece metal trim?
Any ideas about where I can get the bottom metal part of the hatch and spoiler?


Aloha,
Paul

 

The side trim used to be available, but it was REALLY expensive. I'm thinking like $500 for both pieces. Maybe Classic Industries? I know somebody had it. Is your's in such bad shape it can not be cleaned up?

As far as the rear deck, put a ad in our "parts wanted" section. Be sure to specify ABSOLUTELY NO RUST. They are getting harder to find in good shape. They are pretty heavy, so it's gonna be expensive to ship, but I think it would be pretty easy to box up. Also, be sure the rear deck is for your car. The spoiler holes are different for Camaro's than for Birds. As far as Camaro's go, cars with the plain lip spoiler (with no brake light) have different holes than cars with the slightly larger spoiler that has the brake light. It's pretty easy to drill new ones, as the spoiler will cover the old holes.

If your hatch is in such bad shape, check Craigslist. I gave one away, maybe two years back, and it took me over a year to fins someone to come take it. They go VERY cheap. One in nice shape can usually be had for under $50.

 

GM Parts Direct are listing those as available.For 91 Firebirds
[ 13 ] BODY HARDWARE / LIFT GATE / LIFT GATE / Reveal molding Part Number: 10178092

reveal molding W/O NOTCHBACK, w/aero wing Right
MSRPOnline Price$147.43$87.40 [ 13 ] BODY HARDWARE / LIFT GATE / LIFT GATE / Reveal molding Part Number: 10178093

reveal molding W/O NOTCHBACK, w/aero wing Left
MSRPOnline Price$135.03$82.89

 

The other pair on that page, that Manta, for whatever reason, did not post:
Odds are, they are not available from GM Parts direct, anyway

BODY HARDWARE / LIFT GATE / LIFT GATE / Reveal molding
10141480 - Reveal molding
W/O NOTCHBACK, w/o aero wing Right

MSRP Online Price
$618.16 $366.44
View Part Diagram -- Item #13

BODY HARDWARE / LIFT GATE / LIFT GATE / Reveal molding
10141481 - Reveal molding
W/O NOTCHBACK, w/o aero wing Left

MSRP Online Price
$618.16 $366.44
View Part Diagram -- Item #13

 

I was going to post that just to show how much more expensive it was for NOT having the aero package.
[ 13 ] BODY HARDWARE / LIFT GATE / LIFT GATE / Reveal molding Part Number: 10141480

reveal molding W/O NOTCHBACK, w/o aero wing Right
MSRPOnline Price$618.16$366.44 [ 13 ] BODY HARDWARE / LIFT GATE / LIFT GATE / Reveal molding Part Number: 10141481

reveal molding W/O NOTCHBACK, w/o aero wing Left
MSRPOnline Price$618.16$366.44

 

I could never understand why the part was so expensive. I wanted to replace mine years ago on my last car, and was blown away by the cost. As flimsy as they are when the rear deck is removed, I can't imagine the part that bolts to the rear deck does a whole lot. Certain parts I understand the high cost of, but this one baffles me.

 

Back then they were $85.00Supply and demand

 

It is real easy to "spring" those trim pieces. Then you have to massage them back into place without ruining any new paint.
I would go to carpart dot com and source the whole glass w/trim. I took a dremel to the trim to clean up rust, then repainted like shown above. You may have a used parts place in town to order from (they might use carpart), then you won't have to pay shipping - or greatly reduced shipping.
This is one of those - what's cheapest and the least time, decisions.

 

I that thing made of gold?

 

What exactly change? I have a 86 hatch on my 89 and it fit without issue and I've never seen any differences in the rear glass outside of the high third brake light.

 

To remove the metal trim and reinstall different trim, its is best to remove the glass and set it on some carpeted sawhorses. Use 2-4 people and take your time.
I have done quite a few of them.

 

So a "new" glass doesn't come with new trim ?
A question... when you say "hatches" from earlier years don't fit others, do you mean the actual glass, or the metal hatch?

I had to replace the actual "metal latch" and no problems...

Reason I'm asking, I have a 91, and I want a different year hatch glass with no third brake light...

Rafael

 

The glass is all physically interchangeable.
Some things like the 86 3rd brake light and the 91-2 rear brake light are different, other than that stuff, they will all interchange.

 

yup, glass is same - heated or not.
The bands we are talking about are clean, or with clips for wrap around.
Deck lids different too

 

I replaced the rear glass in a 1990 bird but it doesn't line up the same on each side. I'm thinking a hinge is bent. Is there a trick to getting a perfect fit? Thanks