What are the advantages of having the motorized trunk pull down vs. the non motorized, standard latch?

I think I may have to convert mine to a standard latch... am I losing anything other than a cool little device that is probably gonna break again? Will the trunk stilll close flush and even with teh body? Is the back hatch glass any more likely to break? Any info on this is appreciated.

 

Well, they didnt start using them until 1986. If you can find a 82-85 that has a trunk that doesnt close flush or has more of a tendency to break the glass I'd be really surprised.

 

You'd think the standard would close better not being controlled by a machine. All I know is when the motor breaks and you have a hatch that won't close its 1 of the most annoying things.

 

i've "converted" on all my roc's from the electric POS pull down motor. i've experinced no ill effects. the best mod i've ever done.

 

I understand it was designed that way to aleviate an air pressure problem inside the car. The one on my 89RS convt has 210,000 miles and still works. Of course the trunk is much lighter and I have owned the car since 38K and don't slam the trunk.
Just call it a weight saving mod.

 

hehe

 

Madmax... Actually I see all too many 82-86 base model camaros where the trunk does not close flush with the bumper... it will be all uneven and higher on one side... that is my concern. I'm trying to maintain a nice car, not throw together a pile of junk.

I think I am going to convert to standard latch then. I would love to get another used motor, but if it breaks again it will only cost me more money. Thank you all for your input... I originally was very skeptical about converting, but you guys make me feel better about it.

 

Its probably age or damage related, its not pull down related. I've owned 2 without and they had no alignment problems.

 

Higher on one side than the other is probably a tweaked hatch. The standard latch ones work just fine. Mine's worked since 82. When I installed the spoiler I adjusted it slightly so it was perfectly flush--that was 5+ years ago. I haven't experience any air pressure related problems

 

POS?? I've owned 2 Camaros with the pull down latch and driven them a total of 280,000 miles over 14 years and never had any problem with either of them.

 

well when you have a system back there (pair of 12"'s) believe me that thing is a pos. to be more exact the fragile plastic gear housing is the pos. as well as the plastic guides the latch slides up and down on. the motors are a ok . will all that bass the little plastic things crack and break within a couple of weeks. sorry for the confusion.

 

If it won't close flush maybe the catch is not aligned properly or check the rubber bump stops they are adjustable