Rear Hatch latch corrosion

[Tbone425]

Trying to get a crusty set of latches to disengage after 10 years of sitting. Took the drain caps off, took all 4 10mm nuts off, soaked in penetrant. They will wiggle by hand but it’s as though the tach won’t let go of the pin. Tried prying and all it would do is draw the hatch tighter. The actuated arms on the back of the latches appear to just move back and forth with no detectable resistence. Thought about using a ball joint puller to force the pin out. Any better ideas or tips out there? It there another way to get the latch to disengage? (87 951)

Thanks!

[drkshdw]

You'll do a bit of damage using a ball joint puller because the pins have a square shoulder on them so you'll have to break the claws in the latch holding the pins which won't be an easy feat.

Your other option would be using a screwdriver from underneath to try and unscrew the pins from the hatch. Original pins have a slot for a flat head on the ends so shoot the screwdriver straight up the center of the latches and hope they either let go or break (probable). Although I would use a large driver bit in a socket and use a breaker bar to get leverage to help it let go.

[Tbone425]

I’ll give that a try. The lid, pins and latches will be replaced I just don’t want to damage the body.