Back hatch issue...

[jeffmc]

The back hatch on my 85 model is popping open when I hit a hard bump.. What is the proper fix? Thanks

[Mrmerlin]

make sure the release arm isnt adjusted too far upwards as this can also cause the locking tab to not seat

Then Get a zip tie and cut off a piece thats the width of the rear edge of the male portion of the latch on the hatch lid.
loosen the bolts and slide it under the rear edge then retighten the bolts.
this will tilt the locking tab further into the locking,
also make sure you dont have the height adjusters at either end of the lid adjusted too far out this will also make the hatch hard to close

[Brenton928S]

I had a similar problem with my hatch that i had to slam to get it to shut, upon investigation the lip in the hatch reciever was worn and bent so the simple fix was to replace it with a good second hand one, the latch was also completely worn as well, i considered buying a complete new latch assembly but i went for the alternative of replacing the latch components instead, the parts are available, you will need the following,
1 x 92851216102
1 x 92851216302
1 x 92851216502
These 3 parts are all you need to repair your hatch latch.
Method, first remove the latch assy from the lid, two bolts on either side of the latch willl remove the latch and key barrel assy. when looking at it as if it was mounted, there is a cover on the front held in by two roll pins, one on either side, they may be covered with paint etc so you will have to look for them. using a pin punch, punch the pins inwards until the cover is able to be removed. once removed knock the pins back out through the holes and save them, you will need to reinsert them later. once the cover is removed you can knock out the clinch pin which holds the latch in place and remove the latch and spring. Clean all parts as necessary and keep the spring as a spare as you may need it later, lube the new latch and spring as necessary and insert into the body, whilst holding in place replace the cover, check that the spring and latch are seated and operating properly whilst holding it in your hand by operating the latch manually, ( the spring can be a problem.) Once this is done reinsert the rollpins into the cover by gently tapping them into place until they are flush. operate the latch with key and check its function to make sure it all works smoothly, reinsert latch assy into the hatch and check operation. hopefully this will cure your problem. Good luck.
Regards, Brenton.

[Brenton928S]

I had a similar problem with my hatch that i had to slam to get it to shut, upon investigation the lip in the hatch reciever was worn and bent so the simple fix was to replace it with a good second hand one, the latch was also completely worn as well, i considered buying a complete new latch assembly but i went for the alternative of replacing the latch components instead, the parts are available, you will need the following,
1 x 92851216102
1 x 92851216302
1 x 92851216502
These 3 parts are all you need to repair your hatch latch.
Method, first remove the latch assy from the lid, two bolts on either side of the latch willl remove the latch and key barrel assy. when looking at it as if it was mounted, there is a cover on the front held in by two roll pins, one on either side, they may be covered with paint etc so you will have to look for them. using a pin punch, punch the pins inwards until the cover is able to be removed. once removed knock the pins back out through the holes and save them, you will need to reinsert them later. once the cover is removed you can knock out the clinch pin which holds the latch in place and remove the latch and spring. Clean all parts as necessary and keep the spring as a spare as you may need it later, lube the new latch and spring as necessary and insert into the body, whilst holding in place replace the cover, check that the spring and latch are seated and operating properly whilst holding it in your hand by operating the latch manually, ( the spring can be a problem.) Once this is done reinsert the rollpins into the cover by gently tapping them into place until they are flush. operate the latch with key and check its function to make sure it all works smoothly, reinsert latch assy into the hatch and check operation. hopefully this will cure your problem. Good luck.
Regards, Brenton.