While at the junkyard yesterday I saw 2 camaros both of which had inteesting hatch latches.....instead of the big ol' pull down thing that i absoloutly HATE, it was just a simple latch and then the lock thing....
Is this "normal" for earlier camaros/firebirds? are they any good? Thanks

 

My 84 doesn't have the motorized pull-down, but it has the electric remote release.

 

Yes it is normal. I love it compared to my electric pull down on my old '90.

 

82-85 Manual latch assembly
86-92 Power pull down latch assembly

I am going to be converting my Formula to the manual assembly for reliability, with the added benefit of weight reduction.

 

schweet!
If I wasn't already broke from buying the 87 Trans Am to part out, i'd say i'd go pick one up as well as the A/C delete heater box today.....
buutttttt, looks like i'll be going friday to get one :-)

 

FYI, the brackets that the latch bolts to on the body are different on non-pull down and pull down latches. You'll need to drill out the spot welds and transfer the brackets to do a swap.

 

The only pull down mechanisms that might work with the non-pull down mech is possibly the late 1991-1992 style. They were smaller and I believe they used the same bolt pattern as the pre 1987 non-pulldown style.

John

 

I am getting all the manual stuff including the mounting bracket and etc... off a 85 donar car.

 

i think you could get the pull down in 85. i know mine doesnt have it because it was an early one and ordered . But im pretty sure you could get it in 85 but the early ones didnt get it .

 

willl doing this for sure allow you to delete the pull down sytem? is it just the 85 for donor?

was there a year that pull down and non pull down were both offered where the non pull down cars might have a plate that can be used in conversion?

 

Why convert it? My pull down quit working so I just adjusted it down to where latched correctly and sealed good, however the inside power release doesn't work that way, but I don't mind using the key.

 

The 88 I recently acquired doesn't seem to have a pull down feature, but does have the console release switch. I haven't removed the back panel, but it doesn't have any big lump to conceal a pull down.

Curiosity got the best of me today and I removed the rear panel and guess what ?? I do have a pull down latch. Someone had removed the electric plug to the motor. I plugged it in and all it does is run constantly. It appears the worm gears are worn out. Something else to add to the grocery list of parts needed.