bdawg23

I'm looking for an alternative way to open my 92 Firebird's hatch. I guess my main concern is what will happen if the motor ever fails? I've seen numerous posts about climbing into the back, taking a screw driver and opening the hatch that way... but what if the panel is put on? In my car, the hatch has to be open in order to remove the panel to access the hatch assembly.

I'm only asking because the key hole will be covered (this will be a KITT replica) and the only way to take the cover off will to be with the hatch open.

So, I ask, what do I do if the hatch won't open?

Has anybody rigged some interior trips to open the hatch?

camaronewbie

You are correct - you cannot remove the interior plastic to pop the hatch manually from the inside with the hatch shut. I also see many folks suggesting such, but never heard of anyone actually doing it (without destroying the interior plastic).

Do the birds have the "glove box" in the rear driver side like the maro's? If so, maybe you could rig a steel cable, though a couple eyelets that comes to a handle in the "glove box" as an emergency crawl into the back of the car devise. You should be able to open the "glove box" with the hatch closed.

my82roc

iTrader: (101)

If you have the light cutout in the rear hatch panel simply pop that out and give a tug on the release cable.Works in junkyard cars all the time

bdawg23

I do have the glove box on the driver side rear. But I'm curious, since the release turns the other way, wouldn't that be awkward setup? But, nevertheless, I've never thought about that before, and that would be a good way to maintain the integrety of the panels AND be there in the event of a motor failure.


I also have the light cutout -- and that could be a very very simple fix. I'm a big guy, but I have crawled back there when the panel was off to pop the hatch with a pair of pliers... so if I could get that light panel out, I could probably do the exact same thing...............

Gumby

92 has no key for the trunk?

bdawg23

no no, there is a key for the trunk, but the hole will be covered by a blackout that can't be taken off unless the hatch is open -- so that pretty much cancels the use of the key out.

Gumby

Your screwed then, id just drill a hole for the lock, use some tiny hose split for a edge ring......

cause youll end up ripping them or the rear apart if it does die.

or like a FP door, build a door into the rear plastic over the lock.

cut 1 slot for bottom, then screw on a hinge, then cut top and put on a turn latch, then cut sides.

will fit the best that way, u can never hold stuff n do it later better.

Gumby

Oh wait I see its a KITT build, don't be a cheap azz and replace the motor and all its parts with new. [motor, gears, cable, track slides, new grease] Your spending loot as is, why skimp on the small things. It will then work for 20+ years.

tekkitan

iTrader: (1)

it could still die (hopefully not for a while) putting a new one in it

bdawg23

Yeah, I'd rather open it when it fails, then replace it all. C'mon... economy man! :-)

bdawg23

This is exactly what I did! I was able to open the hatch from the interior in an emergency situation, and that's exactly what I did. Yessssssssssssssss! Thanks for the suggestion!

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

1st off I don't condone another KITT replica ... waaay 2 many unfinished cars out there! My 2cents nothing more! lol
That being said, why not remove the factory lock and trim a hole in your interior plastic just like the one in the metal body? Its cable operated so you have some play on where it goes..
This way you could climb back there with your key and open the hatch like you do from the outside?? Also hit up the junk yard and grab a lock to put back in your factory lock to seal the hole..
Also the 92s dont seem to have the problems with the motors like the earlier cars, better design..

If you dont have factory ground FX on your car I may buy your front bumper cover if its in very nice shape..PM me

bdawg23

Hey -- I'm sorry you don't condone another KITT build, unfortuntely a KITT build is the way it's going to be -- there are my 2 cents and nothing more. LOL!!

I like that idea of putting the lock in the back. Real smoooth.

Here's my issue, which I didn't bring up because I wanted a way other than using the key. My key doesn't seem to be doing the job anymore. It turns a little over 90 degrees, which it should, but it doesn't pop the lock. I thought maybe something happened to the cable, so I replaced it, and it still won't open. So I figure maybe something failed in the factory lock.

I see that I can get a replacement lock with keys for about 30 bucks. So, if I do this, which I might think I will eventually.... I'll just leave the busted one in the tails and order a new one for the interior install. Hmmmmm..............

Gumby

His point is 10 people a week show up and say they are gonna built a KITT, but few rarely spend the money to finish the project right and it just ends up a waste.

And your already cutting corners cheaping out on a hatch motor

Just wait till ya find out the prices for a KITT dash loaded with all the real parts. Not just a sticker that looks like a CRT TV on the dash.