Bought some knock-off Hawks Hatch Hinges..

I don't have the Hawks to compare to, but the machining on the pieces seems decent, the hinges themselves are a bit loose, which may not be the worst thing as I could see some play between each side being necessary.

That being said.. I got two rights.. lol



Here's the link I used on Amazon:
I requested a new set be sent.. I think most people fail to realize that they're directional, or side dependent, which is where folks run into issues with their back glass breaking, because each side's hinge folds at a slightly different angle.

New hinges should be here tomorrow.. I'll update with fit and finish once installed.

 

These are scary... there was a while thread about someone whos hatch broke after installing the hawk hinges..... I do not recall if L / R was taken into consideration though

 

I'd be willing to bet they were installed backwards or installed too tightly on the glass side.

You really only need to tighten finger tight and then another half turn with a wrench. Any more you risk shattering the glass.

 

The glass isn't perfectly flat and the aftermarket aluminum hinge is, that's why the factory used the material it did against the glass.

 

They're not though, they're angled to match the slant of the glass.

 

You're misunderstanding what I'm saying.
The flat mounting surface of the hinges doesn't match the imperfect surface of the glass where they mount. (Even with the metal and pad between the glass and hinge) That also creates a stressed area in the glass. That's why the factory used a semi compliant upper hinge that's not the best in heat and pressure.
Yes, the hinge pivot area appears to have an angle. A hinge works best when the pivot areas are all in perfectly straight alignment. Technically the mounting pads are angled to fit the glass and body.

 

I get what you're saying, I still don't think the factory hinges molded to the window as well as they probably would like them to.

I think as long as someone installing doesn't over-torque, it should be a big non issue.

 

Regardless, be sure to post progress updates / pics!

 

Is there something actually wrong with the factory hatch hinges on your GTA?

I know you like to buy things and install them on your cars for YouTube content for your channel.

If there is nothing wrong with them I highly recommend you leave well enough alone before you end up regretting fooling with them as you are vacuuming up a million pieces of your hatch glass.

You can buy new front windshields and side windows. You can't buy a new hatch glass.

 

I believe my passenger side is bent, not the easiest to tell without removing it, but the driver's side of my hatch is rubbing against the body.

I tried to re-align, but I wasn't able to get it to adjust.

I really don't think there should be any issues unless they are over-torqued on the glass side, or the sides are reversed and they bind, taking out the weak spot - the glass.

If it does break, which wouldn't be ideal, I have a good source for back glass so I'm not too concerned.