So I know this topic is all over the boards but I can't seem to find what i'm looking to do...specifically, I have a 92 RS that has the white plastic hatch pull down motor assembly and I can't find reasonably priced replacements anywhere. I know there's a way to delete the pull down motor and add a manual motor but I'm wondering if it's possible to delete the newer hatch pull down motor and replace it with an older style pull down motor? Has anybody done that? Would it be difficult? (I have decent mech/wiring skills...i've replaced the wiring harness from a '77 C10)
There's also no third gens in any nearby junkyards, pick-n-pull etc

Or is there a place to buy a replacement unit that is not $250 plus a $200 core fee?

 

To change from the 91.5-92 style pulldown to the 86-91.5 style you'd need to get the mount that's welded into the back of an 86-91.5 donor car, and change the striker on the bottom of the hatch.

Have you tried posting a want ad in the classifieds?

 

In my experience the early design isn't that good either. And the critical part, the reversing switch is not available. I wound up putting a manual reversing switch on my 88 to be sure it won't ever stick and keep running the motor. Maybe that situation has changed since?

 

The later style is a rather significant upgrade in durability. It's got some nice features, like a much more durable housing, and latching/unlatching at the top of the travel plus the spring loaded striker that keeps the hatch from latching and pulling the hatch back down when the struts are cold. It's just too bad it doesn't mount the same, and that GM didn't come up with it in 86 instead of the steel and clear plastic garbage.

 

The 92 convertibles used a manual latch with a similar latching mechanism to the 92 pulldown unit.I would figure that it would bolt up to the existing mounts on a non convertible car

 

On a 1986 Camaro, if I delete the trunk motor and the sill electrical contacts, will the third brake light still work? Which years had a manual trunk mechanism (non electric)?

 

82-85 cars were 'slam' hatch cars; many of them had an optional Hatch Release Solenoid..

No,....If you remove the contact panel on the rear interior panel & hatchback then you will loose your 3rd brake light.