Looking for input/advice. I ordered new rear hatch hinges from Hawks Motorsports for my 1990 GTA. I have seen a lot of threads, and watched a lot of video, on replacing these hinges. My question is this. Has anyone tried with the hatch closed and secured by the hatch motor pulldown, replacing each hinge from the inside, one at a time, but leaving them just barely finger tight to adjust. Then, releasing the hatch pulldown and getting the hatch aligned correctly. Then, with the hatch closed again and secured by the hatch motor pulldown, tightening the bolts down? No doubt the lifters have to be disconnect first but this seems easier than trying to remove that heavy hatch and risking the glass shattering. I can see that the original hinges are bent out of shape, which clearly is why the rear lip extends out 1/4" too far and the 3rd brakelight connectors have left marks just to the rear of the contact plate. Thanks in advance, Stu (the not a mechanic kind of guy LOL)

 

Thanks - yes I ordered the bolts at the same time. Also bought a torque wrench to tighten to factory specs. Just wondering why the hatch needs to be open instead of swapping out the hinges from the inside with the hatch closed.