The hatches always come apart at the top, just like in your picture. This is VERY normal. The hatch struts attach to the side of the frame and the theory is, when the struts are new and strong, they push on the frame and glass, towards the back of the car. This pushes the frame and glass back, and in turn pulls the glass away from the frame on the top because the frame is bolted to the car at the top. I'm not totally sure this is what causes the glass to come out like that, but I don't know what else would cause it. Either way, your glass should be tucked under the metal frame and sealed to keep water out.

Haven't tried electricians putty, but silicone has worked for me before.

OK, thanks again. But is it normal for the metal frame/trim to be pushed forward in the corner so that it contacts the roof?

I didn't even see that. No that is not normal. I have not seen that before. I'm not sure what's going on with your hatch. If you can open the hatch, I would inspect the inside of the frame, on both side to see what is different between the sides. Maybe something is broken or loose. The bolts that hold the hatch to the body of the car are in slotted holes to allow for adjustment, but that shouldn't have anything to do with how close your frame is to the body.

No not normal...INMO...I believe crud has gotten its way between your glass and frame pushing the frame back towards the car???? Just a thought.

Check to see if the hatch hinges are loose where they bolt to the body. May just need to realigned and tightend back up.

You guys are the experts, not me - I've only had this car for a couple of weeks. However, it really does seem that the thin metal on the front end of the glass is a moulding/trim piece that sits above the glass and isn't part of the frame itself. The part # is 477853313A. On the diagrams I've seen it is not part of the frame but sits above the glass.

The piece would need to be removed by anyone who has removed the glass and reglued it to the frame. So, I'm wondering how it comes off and what keeps it in place.

Does anyone know what holds this piece in place? Is it secured by glue or is it fastened to the frame or trim somehow. I'm referring to #1 in this diagram?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1576693512.JPG

If there is a gap between the trim frame and glass on top there probably is also a gap between the frame and the glass underneath. This is most likely because the hatch frame has stretched at the frame side angle because of continuous pressure from the shocks and gravity.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1576886427.JPG

I purchased an off cut of satin black wrap and cut it to exactly cover the top piece of metal trim and down as far as the black border on the top of the glass. This seals the gap and looks good.

Possibly welding a gusset plate at the side angle (stretching area) could prevent the hatch frame from stretching.
Just an idea, I have never heard of anyone doing this and I don't have the skills to try anything like this myself.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1577371362.JPG

The dimples on he top of the glass someone mentioned are visible on my glass. See pictures.
Does this meat that the separation has occurred and glass is pull out from the top frame?
I don't see the glass' edge near the metal edge nor I can see the edge inside the metal frame.
I looked at the manuf. shocks and there were rate 301 and 305 Newton.
someone mentioned installing a weaker shocks (like Monroe 901169), but I couldn't find Newton specs for these Monroes.
Take a look at my pictures and let me know if my glass is a candidate for repair due to separation.
Thanks.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1577336894.JPG
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1577336894.JPG

Struts are fairly inexpensive and really,a 30+ year old car is going to have some sealing issues. I like the hatch release from the driver's seat and it won't pop open without good struts. I took some silicone and resealed my hatch after it started to seperate.

djnolan,
good idea.... Thanks.