Palric, i need some more help to get the rear hatch lock out. i took off all the rear hatch panels and have the tail light assembly out, but how the hell do i get the actual lock cylinder out? it looks like its attached using soem kinda thing similar to a rivet, ie no screws or bolts. i went to the library and got the chiltons maunal for 82-92 firebirds and it says nothing about replacing the hatch lock cylinder (although it does say something about remving the door panels and replacing the door locks). i dotn have the power hatch pull down unit, but i do have the power hatch release, ie you press a button inside the car and the hatch releases. any ideas or suggestions to get this thing off?
cause i am stumped and i have never done this before.

thanks again

 

Hey Brad, I just went and checked my 82 'Bird and I see what you mean. I would have to say that you will have to drill out the rivets. Your new lock, does it have a washer type plate around it with two bolt holes? If it does, then reattach the new lock using new bolts. You will probably have to grind off the excess metal that is around the holes, that is if it looks like mine( like a three petal flower). Just make sure you use locking washers so that it doesn't come loose on ya.Good luck...

 

thanks man...thats exactly what mine looks like. the new lock has the washer like thing with two bolt holes and the old one is attached just like you described...with the 3 pedal flower like things. thanks for the tips. i was hoping i was missing something and that i wouldnt have to drill them out. aww well.n thanks again for the help