Hawks Hatch Hinges
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 2
Car: 1987 IROC
Engine: 5.0 TPI all stock
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: G92 G80
Hawks Hatch Hinges
Hate to start a new thread but just haven’t found much info on these. Have they fixed anyone’s hatch? I currently bought them and have them in my home ready to throw on but have a few complications and doubts.
Ive read a lot that it’s not the hinges that bend but rather the rear plate that moves...I don’t think that’s the case with mine as it’s only about a 1/4”-1/2” out, but the trim around the window shows evidence of the same. Can stick almost three fingers along the edge of the top!
So first question! Who has these hinges and can vouch for them!?
And second question, can I install these one by one? I work crazy hours so the only time I get to ever turn a wrench on the car I typically NEVER have help. So thinking if I do one by one, leave em a tad loose then adjust and tighten once both are on, could that be possible before I go and break my glass! Haha.
Thanks! Any input would be appreciated!!
Also any any idea where I can find the pull down for a 1992?! Why did GM make these different! I bought one on eBay and it lasted two pulls before motor burnt out(sounded horrible from the get go) than bought another but I guess it was early 91 as it wasn’t the same.
Ive read a lot that it’s not the hinges that bend but rather the rear plate that moves...I don’t think that’s the case with mine as it’s only about a 1/4”-1/2” out, but the trim around the window shows evidence of the same. Can stick almost three fingers along the edge of the top!
So first question! Who has these hinges and can vouch for them!?
And second question, can I install these one by one? I work crazy hours so the only time I get to ever turn a wrench on the car I typically NEVER have help. So thinking if I do one by one, leave em a tad loose then adjust and tighten once both are on, could that be possible before I go and break my glass! Haha.
Thanks! Any input would be appreciated!!
Also any any idea where I can find the pull down for a 1992?! Why did GM make these different! I bought one on eBay and it lasted two pulls before motor burnt out(sounded horrible from the get go) than bought another but I guess it was early 91 as it wasn’t the same.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 854
Likes: 107
From: KY
Car: 2 T-Tops
Engine: 327/305
Transmission: TH350/700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42/2:73
Re: Hawks Hatch Hinges
The hatch is a lot heavier than you think it is. I would not recommend trying to replace the hinges with the hatch still on the car. It's going to be extremely difficult, not to mention dangerous. I've done this replacement before. You really need the hatch off of the car. You're going to find two problems with it still on the car. First one is, you cannot even attempt to remove one hinge with the hatch shocks still attached due to the force that shock has on the hatch. If you remove the hatch shocks, now you're left with trying to lift up an extremely heavy hatch to slip a hinge in there. You may break the glass trying to lift it far enough to slip the hinge out. They don't like to twist (much). You also cannot prop the hatch up and try to remove the hinge as it could become unstable. Your best bet, get a buddy, take the 4 nuts off inside the car and lift it off the car and put it on a blanket in the grass. Once it's off, replacing the hinges is a lot easier and safer. Go ahead and get new beauty bolts while you're at it (unless the new hinges came with them). Stay safe!
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 631
Likes: 7
From: Massachusetts
Car: 86' IROC
Engine: Supercharged 350
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: Hawks Hatch Hinges
I have the hinges in a box and im waiting to install myself. I took my hatch off this weekend (painting entire car) and i would not suggest doing it yourself or on the car. Hatch is very heavy and i wouldnt trust doing it on the car it on car for fear of breaking the window. Break the bolts free on the hinge to glass, soak them in PB blaster if need be and thats the hardest part to be honest.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 2
Car: 1987 IROC
Engine: 5.0 TPI all stock
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: G92 G80
Re: Hawks Hatch Hinges
Thanks for the thoughts, I hadn’t thought of the mission it would be to slide out one hinge OUT of the frame while other was on. The bolts aren’t solid right I’ve loosened all of them already in attempts to adjust the hatch but that was of no help.
Guess I’m stuck finding some help. Definitely need to plan for it. Would love to hear someone who has the hinges say it fixed their issue!
Guess I’m stuck finding some help. Definitely need to plan for it. Would love to hear someone who has the hinges say it fixed their issue!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 631
Likes: 7
From: Massachusetts
Car: 86' IROC
Engine: Supercharged 350
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: Hawks Hatch Hinges
yeah its definitely not something you want to chance. It is a very heavy hatch. I picked it up with one hand on the spoiler and the other up front near where the curve of the glass is. That way it was fully supported.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 854
Likes: 107
From: KY
Car: 2 T-Tops
Engine: 327/305
Transmission: TH350/700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42/2:73
Re: Hawks Hatch Hinges
Wow, must be nice. There is no way I can pick it up at all! It's just too heavy for me.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 631
Likes: 7
From: Massachusetts
Car: 86' IROC
Engine: Supercharged 350
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Trending Topics
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 303
Likes: 82
From: T E X A S
Car: 93 Trans Am
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56 Street Twin
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.90
Re: Hawks Hatch Hinges
I had a body shop install mine because they were painting the new Hawks spoiler as well, done off the car. Far as alignment, my hatch was off center slightly causing it to rub the driver side on the body. Far as the hatch motor, I would talk to Lon and see if it's possible to convert to the earlier style
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