Interior and Upholstery 1989 GT Good Old Fashioned Hatch Issue

[FiveOhFoxBody]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the site, so I apologize if I made some rookie mistakes in posting for the first time. Anyway, I'm having trouble shutting the hatch on my 89 5.0.; I recently replaced the hatch weatherstripping as well as the strut arms that hold up the hatch. I decided to upgrade my striker as well since the old one was in serious need of attention (it was severely worn and I used an old sock instead of a striker bushing since the old one was gone). I went ahead and purchased a new striker and bushing from LMR and threw that baby on, unfortunately, I haven't been able to close my hatch ever since. No amount of frustrated slamming seems to do the trick; at least before it would close after two or three slams, now it won't close at all. I was just hoping to get some advice from yall on what I should try next, I imagine some of you might have ened the same issue. Also, I should mention that the hatch is slightly misaligned, although I can't imagine that would be an issue seeing as how it closed before, the only thing that has changed (with regards to the locking mechanism) is the new striker and bushing so I imagine that is central to the issue, but I'm open to any ideas.

 

[Elirides]

I'm sure you checked but, is your latch open ? I'm new to the site also. I've overlooked the obvious a lot over the years.

 

[General karthief]

First thing you do is verify that the claws of the latch function, take a screwdriver and push the claws closed then open with the key, spray lube helps to clean the dust/dirt out, they operate fine dry, no grease (you can if you like) make sure the bumpers, one on each side of the hatch' are screwed in far enough not to keep the hatch from closing, the striker can also be moved up and down/side to side also.

 

[Dan02gt]

You need to adjust it. It's probably setting to low and not centered with the latch. Pull off your interior trim panels so you can get in the car and see how the striker and latch line up. You can just rest the hatch on the striker for this process. You should then be able to align the striker left to right (should be centered between the two latch claws) then move it up to the hatch latches properly.

It's a slow trial and error process. I have about 4 hours in getting my hatch aligned with the body and closing properly.

 

[LX Dave]

What Dan02gt said^

Also, this might be a good time to get the hatch aligned back with the body. Just take off the rear upper trim piece to access the bolts. Take the struts off to align it or they will push the hatch all over the place. This is much easier with two people. I did what Dan said and got the striker aligned left to right then started to adjust up and down until I was happy with how it closed. It took me a couple of hours to do too. Patience is priority when doing this.

 

[FiveOhFoxBody]

Holy Moley!!! I didn't expect to get any responses, let alone 4 very good ones. I'm gonna go try and align the striker now. I'll keep you guys posted, thanks a bunch!!!

 

[FiveOhFoxBody]

Ok guys, problem solved!!! It turned out to be super simple. You might notice by the pictures I posted that the new LMR striker is not a torx operated screw like the original striker is. instead, it just has a hole in the center. I foolishly hand tightened the striker thinking my hand would produce a sufficient amount of torque to properly tighten the striker. This, of course, was not the case. Every time I closed the hatch, the latch would push the striker out of place and compromise the adjustment I had previously performed. I grabbed an adjustable wrench and tightened that sucker in the proper position and the hatch closed and locked properly after that.

 

[General karthief]

that's what we are here for, now lets put a turbo on that dude, I here they come with jack stands!

 

[Elirides]

I'm glad you got straightened out. After looking at the pictures again, I see that the latch WAS open. If you have problems getting the striker tight, you can tap the hole in the end and loctite (red) or jbweld a short bolt inside. That should give you a little more leverage. A little semi-gloss black paint and you would never notice. Have a blessed week

 

[LX Dave]

You might notice by the pictures I posted that the new LMR striker is not a torx operated screw like the original striker is. instead, it just has a hole in the center.

How are you supposed to tighten it then? I'm looking and can't see how unless vise grips are involved.

 

[Mustang5L5]

That's an odd striker lacking the torx bit insert to tighten it up. How are you supposed to tighten it?

I kinda agree with the idea of drilling an tapping a hole in the end and installing a bolt. You'll just need to JBweld the bolt into the threads so you can loosen it, although vice grips would probably do it as well (although marking it up).

I'd send a comment to LRS asking them about this? Seems strange to not provide any way to tighten it

 

[FiveOhFoxBody]

How are you supposed to tighten it then? I'm looking and can't see how unless vise grips are involved.

I miss spoke, I actually used some Jaw Locking pliers, not an adjustable wrench.