My pull down hatch is non functional. I just got the car. The motor housing is busted open, the plastic teeth on the large round gear are ground off, and the assembly is tie-strapped so it doesn't move.

I took a couple quick pics, but it was hard to get in there due to the dumb subwoofers the previous owner installed.

I have no idea if the electric motor still works.

What parts am I likely to need, and where to get them?

 

I'd start by contacting Lon at Top Down Solutions (TDS). He's active here on this forum.

http://www.top-downsolutions.com/

FYI...I rebuilt mine...some pics of that are here. Not sure if it's the same design as yours, but you might want to take a look if you have not rebuilt one before.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...ml#post6227850

 

I think Lonsal (a member here) may have used parts.

Dorman has new housing/motor parts (check their catalog/ebay). However, I think Dorman quality can be rather sketchy - I bought a new coolant/washer reservoir for my GMC and the washer side won't hold fluid.

 

I used the kit from Top Down Solutions 3 years ago and it’s held up great, high quality parts. I would look there before Dorman.

 

I will check with Lonsal on here once I take things apart more.

 

I haven't done much with the pull down motor yet. I haven't even taken the panel back off to have a look. But I was looking on rockauto and when you click on the truck lid/ tailgate pull down motor part number it generates multiple vehicles it fits. I have western Canada's largest auto wrecker in my city.

Could I go to one of those vehicles listed and get the parts from them? Older parts like that they sell for a few dollars each.

 

Got some more pictures of the damage.

The motor housing is defiantly destroyed. But what about the black plastic housing with electrical connections and the motor plugs into?

 

If it’s the same part number that will work, gotta love GM parts bin, you might get lucky and get a used motor if needed. Did you test the motor in it to see if it works? If you get it plugged in there is a small tab/button that when pressed will activate the motor IIRC. Should be located near the top

 

I didn't test it and got it back together before I seen your suggestion.

 

I have good tested motors and crack free plastic Housings.I also have the gear too.These were used in many different gm vehicles during that time period.Matter of fact I just pulled one from a 1990 riviera yesterday

 

I went to the wrecker yesterday and got 2 good condition motor/housing assemblies plus there was a good condition gear randomly in a trunk. Both out of Cadillacs. They certainly look right.
I will see if one fits this morning and report back.

 

They should fit perfectly.

 

I got the new motor installed. I swapped over the pull down lever itself and the reversing switch. Bolted right in. The slides were in great shape, none broken or cracked.
It works like a charm.

 

I maybe looking for just the motor. My housing was a mess so I got a replacement. This one is in black and seems to be a better quality than the original clear one. However, I removed the motor and the face place was stuck. Out came the motors and the 2 brushes. I was able to get it back in place but the white face plate where the 2 electical connects is snapped off. I may try and fix it but a new or decent used motor may be in my future.

 

So as I said above I order a new housing above. Not knowing I what Brocks Camaro says is an aftermarket motor? The motor and housing setup I have I thought was always a stock version But according to him I have an after market one. The one I have the motor screws into the housing, but the housing he sold me looks like it slots into the housing. I am very confused.

 

There are 2 different styles of housings.They are both stock.Either one will work on your pull down assembly but you need the correct housing for the motor you have.

 

Thank you! I never ever heard of a aftermarket motor assembly in my 31 years of owning this car.

 

Ok so Brocks Camaro says the one on the left, that I have is indeed aftermarket. Which it cant be because I HAVE THE ORIGINAL HOUSING from 31 years ago. So what is he talking about? I have never seen the one on the right honestly and had no idea there were different types. Can somoene please tell me why am I hearing the one on the left is aftermarket as he claims? And is there any way to prove it is not? thanks

 

I can’t say for sure since I’ve pulled both styles from other gm vehicles that are not 3rd gens.Just today I pulled 2 motors from 90’s cadillacs and they were one of each style housing.

 

I had to replace the motor years ago and the housing i have is the screw on type that Brocks says is after market. I never recall ever seeing the other style. Anyway I appreciate the info sir!

 

Lon @ TDS (Top Down Solutions) is the man! I rebuilt my '91 elec/auto hatch lock & motor assembly few years ago and he's got everything you'll need. Not only does everything work beautifully but some parts are re-engineered and better/stronger than the factory ones ever were.

 

Yep. And the parts kits come with very detailed and easy to follow instructions. I recommend TDS as well.