Paint and Body LX Trunk Hatch Alignment & Gap

[Hatt67bbx]

I know this is a common problem with these cars and I've done the standard troubleshooting (new striker and bushing - purchased from LMR) to try and fix the problem but I'm still left with a large gap on the drivers side rear. Originally the hatch did not close but after installing the new strike and bushing along with several adjustments (with & without hatch cylinders engaged) and trial fitments on the striker location I finally got the hatch to close and clasp, but it still feels like it has some "wiggle" play and the gap is more pronounced on one side. FYI, bumpers are not interfering and gapping around the rest of the hatch is consistent. Is there anything else I can do to tighten the gap on the drivers side?

 

[General karthief]

Ok, and this is just an observation, drivers side, top corner window trim is distressed, or is that an optical situation?

 

[Hatt67bbx]

Rear window trim is broken (damaged clips)...no structural issues with the glass though.

 

[General karthief]

Ok,
Glass ain't structural even a little bit.
It's one piece or a bagillion
Have you had the trim off in that area?

 

[nickyb]

For gits and siggles, take off both lift struts and check the fittment.

 

[7991LXnSHO]

Look at the front edge of the hatch
overhang to the body on both sides. Either the hinges need adjustment or something is very bent. Where the bottom has a gap on the drivers side, the hatch is also almost hitting the body. On the passenger side, that gap is much bigger.

 

[General karthief]

Look at the front edge of the hatch
overhang to the body on both sides. Either the hinges need adjustment or something is very bent. Where the bottom has a gap on the drivers side, the hatch is also almost hitting the body. On the passenger side, that gap is much bigger.

Kinda like the bottom of the hatch is cocked to the drivers side,
What does the gap look at the roof?

 

[Hatt67bbx]

I removed the struts and played around with the location of the striker and it fixed the issue. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[nickyb]

Well I hit the nail on the head this time without hammering my finger, first time for everything I guess. Glad your hatch is good , now go have some hatch chilli peppers. And I'll try any hatch some more ideas.

 

[Hatt67bbx]

Back to the old 2x4 prop!

 

[FirstTimeFox90]

Well I hit the nail on the head this time without hammering my finger, first time for everything I guess. Glad your hatch is good , now go have some hatch chilli peppers. And I'll try any hatch some more ideas.

So, I recently addressed the same issue on my vehicle and again it was the hatch struts. Does anyone know the reasoning or is there a way to correct this while still using the hatch struts?

 

[nickyb]

I went threw different struts, and now it's fine, can't remember brand it's been years.