Decklid Glass Separating from Frame

[adamjhilton]

The glass of the decklid from '87 944S has separated from the frame. It leaks slightly in the rain. Any ideas?

[mytrplseven]

Easiest answer: buy another one and stop using the struts holding it up. The frame is soft aluminum and the adhesive degrades over time from UV. While it is closed, the pistons are constantly forcing the glass away from the forward attachment of the hatch. Consequently, the forward part of the hatch separates as the soft aluminum frame deforms and the seal is lost. Without the piston struts, you don't have that aftward stress on the hatch. I see replacement hatches on ebay and craigslist frequently for 2 to 3 hundred. Efforts to reseal these hatches are marginal at best, especially if they go back to using the struts. A simple wooden mop handle works fine. Good luck in your search.

[adamjhilton]

I can totally see your point on the hatch struts! I'll disengage them to stop the separation from going any farther. I'll also keep an eye out on eBay for decent hatch glasses that are willing to be shipped.

In the interim, I think I'll just seal it with black latex.

Has anyone ever tried removing the assembly and tapping the frame back in place with a rubber mallet? That's more curiosity talking...

[kdjones2000]

What I would recommend:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-8609-Windo-Weld-Super-Fast-Urethane-08609-Black-10-5-fl-oz-Cartridge/232478024297?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-08681-Single-Step-Primer-125ML-3M-08681/332151793502?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

Use the primer on the frame and window, and let it cure for a couple of days before putting any stress on it...

[adamjhilton]

Thanks, kdjones2000! That's certainly a cheaper repair than a brand new hatch glass. What would you recommend for getting the frame back into position?

[kdjones2000]

Read up on here and Rennlist about resealing your hatch. It's a LOT of work.

You can either do the full reseal, or take a chance and use that stuff just in the separated areas and cross your fingers.

[adamjhilton]

Duly noted...

[azbanks]

This is one of the most common issues with all 944's. Replacement hatches may have the same problem.

[irish44j]

Yep, my original hatch had that, and I scored another one 6 months ago that was in good shape. I "injected" additional urethane into the top of the frame to try to pre-empt this one separating as well, at the time.

After I saw this thread I happened to glance at it on the car, and damn if it hasn't separated as well (perhaps taking it on that rallycross course a few weeks ago did it, lol). I detached the support pistons and managed to push it back together to some extent, and it seems to stay that way as long as the pistons aren't on there. So......now I'm just gonna use a 3-foot dowel to hold it up. Bye bye pistons.

[djnolan]

I drilled the pistons and use a walking stick to hold it up.

[irish44j]

Originally Posted by djnolan

I drilled the pistons and use a walking stick to hold it up.

so you keep the pistons there for the sake of stability, then? Good idea....

where did you drill them? I think I may copy that idea, since the defrost wires use the pistons as well....

[lotus-ok]

Glass guy told me my first repair was because I didn't use the primer. Second repair held a little longer. Struts are the culprit. Race car people put a piece of Gaffers tape across the top. Doesn't look to bad and is a replaceable seal

[jtehfreaks]

I wonder if there are any electric struts that would work instead of the gas filled ones... no more constant pressure causing the glass separation, and you also possibly get a remove hatch. I wonder how much work would be involved in making this happen.

[Tom944]

I cut a piece of satin black wrap to the shape of the top of the hatch and the black interior decal strip and stuck it on the outside over the black aluminum and about 3/4 of an inch down on the glass. Looks original and stops the water entering. So far has lasted a couple of years.

[RKT951]

I have glued several 944 rear hatches with little success its hard and u need about fifty small clamps get all the old material out the best u can acetone the glass prior to using the primer for 3m adhesive no guarantees but a strip of electric tape keeps the water out and doesn't look to bad if you trim the ends at a good angle

[Goldwolf]

This problem drives me crazy, I want the hatch to open without a stick!

On a cheaper way, wouldn't using a bent square washer like on a screen door work to hold the shock open? Slide it up to lock?

Also, it seems there should be a folding arm like on a rooftop camper, if you could find one stong enough. I keep looking.

[Peter Graham]

A piece of rigid 1/2" plastic pipe, cut to a 'C' shape, placed on around the hood stay rod works well on my 912. It weighs practically nothing and cannot be accidently knocked out. I don't know how well it would work applied to a 944/951...

Peter

[djnolan]

Drill a small hole in the stick and use a piece of nylon cord to tie the stick to the hatch (there is a square bracket to tie it to) so when you open the hatch the stick pops up with it right in the correct place. I got the idea from my golf bag stand.

[Rupert944]

Got a pic of that?

[djnolan]

This is patented, I remind you!