Hello,

I recently replaced the complete rear hatch glass/ deck lid assembly on my 88 T/A.

I have read, and understand completely how to adjust the rear deck lid to get the lip on each side to match up nice with my rear quarter panels.

My alignment questions are in regards to adjusting the glass to the body and get the deck lid "level" or in other words, the distance between the top of the quarter panels and deck lid before the motor pulls it down flush with the rear quarters. I DO NOT want to much torsional stress on the glass!

I'll explain exactly what I have done thus far.

Remove and replace hatch and deck assembly. I have not tried to align the deck lid lips to quarter panels as of yet. I do not believe there is a point until glass is where it needs to be.

When I replaced the hatch I removed the original by removing the four bolts/ nuts from the glass and left the hinges on the body. I was able to adjust the gap on the sides of the deck lid no problem. In other words side to side movement of the glass on the hinges.

Right now the glass opens and closes fine, pull down motor is operating as normal. BUT it seems the hatch is sitting on an angle IE; when in closed position the driver side of the deck lid is just below the quarter panel and the passenger side is just above. This is also visible while taking a close look at the top of the glass. It seems to taper down to the driver side from passenger side. So obviously the glass needs further adjustment. Either the driver side needs to come up or passenger side needs to come down.

My question, if I loosen the nuts inside the car will there be enough adjustment to correct this? If so will I need to seal the hinges to keep water from entering the car?

 

im curious to as mine doesnt line up right on the drivers side but it does on the pass wich is wierd

 

that situation is an indication of bent hinges. quite common on these cars.

 

Okay, I will replace the hinges with a spare set I have and see if that changes anything.