Stupid Gap In Trunk Lid!

[85SVOGUY]

Hey all I have an 89 5.0 GT. I'm trying to figure out how to get rid of the 1 inch gap it has between the tail lights and the hatch itself. The car hasn't been in any accident, it closes all the way with the help of a little cardboard and electric tape where the striker bushing was. I tried removing the latch and re positioning it and all that did was get it to lock a little better.

It has a gap all the way up the body where the hinges are on the top. Has anyone else here dealt with this issue? Any help greatly appreciated. My fox looks ok for original paint wheels etc, but the trunk lid drives me crazy!

 

[88LX5.Oh]

I THINK I understand what you're saying, but could you upload a picture so I can actually see the issue? That would probably be a big help for anyone that sees this thread.

 

[betke76]

Did you try to screw inwards the rubber adjusters on the bottom of the hatch?

 

[85SVOGUY]

Yes I tried removing them completely and it helped maybe a few MM. I will take your advice and post up a picture first thing in the morning. I'm sure it's a common problem with the hatch not lining up but I will snap a few pics when its light out.

 

[85SVOGUY]

 

[85SVOGUY]

Pics of the gap as promised. Please advise!

 

[85SVOGUY]

One more just cause I washed it

 

[stykthyn]

shiny

 

[SoFlStang]

I'm looking forward to an answer as well, my hatch is the exact same way. I replaced the striker and adjusted it as low as it would go and still allow the hatch to latch.

 

[85SVOGUY]

Lol yea I'm hoping someone chimes in! It bugs the hell outta me.

 

[billison]

The lock its self can be moved too I think.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

For starters, try loosening the hatch bolts and moving the whole thing forward a few mm (especially on the drivers side by the looks of your pic). The inner edge of your hatch is supposed to run parallel with the edge of your taillight where it meets the body. After that, try working with the latch and striker position a little to get it to close. Moving your latch further up into the hatch will allow you to close the hatch further before it locks against the striker.

The sad truth is, is that these cars were never right from the factory. No two hatches or trunk lids will fit a like. You'll just have to play around with it, going back and forth between the hatch bolts and hatch striker and latch until you get it to, or as close to right as you can. You should really just order a new striker bushing in the mean time. The cardboard tape set up is kinda ghetto and won't last.

 

[J-mo]

How does the gap up top look? It looks like its to far towards the rear. Loosen hinges push forwards then retighten hinges.

 

[85SVOGUY]

For starters, try loosening the hatch bolts and moving the whole thing forward a few mm (especially on the drivers side by the looks of your pic). The inner edge of your hatch is supposed to run parallel with the edge of your taillight where it meets the body. After that, try working with the latch and striker position a little to get it to close. Moving your latch further up into the hatch will allow you to close the hatch further before it locks against the striker.
The sad truth is, is that these cars were never right from the factory. No two hatches or trunk lids will fit a like. You'll just have to play around with it, going back and forth between the hatch bolts and hatch striker and latch until you get it to, or as close to right as you can. You should really just order a new striker bushing in the mean time. The cardboard tape set up is kinda ghetto and won't last.

Looks like I got an annoying task ahead of me. The passenger side if the hatch hangs over the body line, and the hatch is pushed out farther than the lights. So I think I will have to try a combination of a few things. I will report back once I work on it. Thanks fit the responses, and sorry for my late response. Helping family move all day long.