Anyone using a non-OEM hatch release?
 

I have a 1983, on which electrical hatch releases were not standard. I am interested in adding a power hatch release through my alarm system. I have a porsche hatch motor off of ebay, but the cost of the additional parts I need to purchase coupled with the negative hatch threads I have read make me wonder if it is worth using the OEM. Has anyone had experience with using a third party hatch release? Thanks -

Jeremy
1983 Guards Red

[This message has been edited by jwolk1 (edited 09-25-2001).]

you can add an actuator to the metal rod that pushes when you turn the key, but you will need a VERY strong actuator seeing how stiff the parts are. i would go for a 35LBD actuator but im not sure how well it would work. you might also need some new shocks on the back to make sure its has enough push to drive the hatch up.


SHAUN

Jeremy--
The actuator connected to the OEM motor can be adjusted fairly easily to accomplish the same unlatching action as the key, which is to say that if you are not pulling up on the hatch, the hatch (in all likelihood) will be latched once again when the motor stops.

If you want to set things up so that you use a remote control instead of the key, but you're standing right there to pull on the hatch when the motor activates, then that should work.

On the other hand, if you want to release it from a distance (like most 944 owners expect to do when pressing the OEM hatch release button in the cockpit; hence most of the negative comments), you will need to take a different approach. What would be a really nice aftermarket part is a latch mechanism that has a spring (similar to the hood latch) that pops the hatch up slightly when the mechanism is activated.

Stronger shocks on the hatch might help, but they are working at a bad angle when the hatch is closed (or nearly so). The only other idea might be to get some new hatch seals with the hope that they have enough resillience to push up the hatch when you release it.

HTH,

-C
'85/1 944