My rear hatch pull-down unit is being a real pain to repair. I have replaced cracked housings and screws, and yet it still does not work. I know that the unit gets power as when I got the car it was disconnected, and plugging it back in made the motor run nonstop. Now - nothing.

Not sure what is left to repair that is within my limited skillset, so I am considering getting a rebuilt one from Hawks:

1988-Early 1991 Camaro/Firebird Rebuilt Hatch Motor Pull-Down Unit - Hawks Third Generation (hawksmotorsports.com)

Anyone picked up one of these? I like the idea of a simple solution but the price tag is giving me pause.

 

Following.
I rebuit mine, tested it, and then mounted it. Worked exactly once and died as you described.
Right now the trunk is manually latched and the worm gear needs to be tightened down once in a while to stay snug.

 

Pricey, but these are getting to be pretty hard to find. I've never bought anything from Hawk's that wasn't new reproduction, but have never had a problem with anything I've gotten from them. They've been in business a long time and know thirdgens pretty well, so I would take a chance as long as you can afford the price.

 

Sounds like an issue with the reverse switch on the motor assembly. They don't remake it unfortunately, but there are threads on here on how to rebuild it.

 

After rebuilding mine and having it barely work, I ended up getting a rebuilt from Hawks, glad I did because after I changed the rear seals a lot more motor torque is needed to get it to latch now.