I have 88 IROC that I dont want to use the pull down mechanism anymore. Way to complicated little gizmo just to open and close the trunk. Is there a way to position the locking mechanism at the right height to just open and close with the key?

 

Not really. Fix it right, for best results. Early cars didn't have the pulldown, and they were usually a pain in the *** to get the hatch closed and latched. Without the pulldown, you're trying to slam a giant hatch, pushing air into the car and compressing the weatherstripping. Usually took a few tries to get it closed and latched. In comparison, the pulldown is an elegant solution, lower the hatch push it down until it latches, and the pulldown does the rest.

 

I appreciate that but I don’t want an elegant solution. It’s a $400 car and I will not spend $200 on the trunk latch. Thx tho for not answering my question.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...tml#post409329


*Edit* I did the same on my '89 Camaro I had back in the day. New pull down motors were not as easily sourced as they are today what with the internet and all. So I did just like the post liked above and bolted it in place. If you get it setup right and the angle correct it shuts pretty easy. I never had to slam mine, just set it down and pushed on the hatch lid with both hands using my body weight to compress the weather stripping. YMMV though.

 

Thank you exactly what I was looking for! Tried the search but this thread didnt come up.

 

Unless the pulldown is really trashed, it wouldn't cost $200 to fix it. Usually it's the motor housing that's broken, new they run about $50. But by all means, if you'd rather cobble it together... I'm just letting you know why GM went to the complicated gizmo in the first place. A proper slam latch system barely worked, a slam latch cobbled together from a broken pulldown usually ends up making a mess.

 

Contrary to popular belief it worked beautifully. Thankyou WildCard600 its a much better setup than factory. Closes easily like a regular car (no slamming required and everything is lined up. Also a bonus of terminating a few wires and eliminating a relay, pop up feature works great. Total cost $0

 

I eliminated the entire pull down mechanism, its junk, if one takes their time and spaces the pull down to the proper height and even makes the holes 3/8 inch vs 1/4 you have plenty o adjustment. This is a low as in under $3k all in project so $0 fixes help alot. I dont think you would like my Rustoleum rattle can paint job either