flash134

Cannot find any threads, Anyway I have a 2000 Coupe and the weastherstrip along the top edge of the hatch that contacts the body when closed is shot and water leaks into my covered end storage areas. I ordered the new style weather strip and need to remove the hatch to replace. How hard is this to do and any instructions would be appreciated. Or is this something best left to the shop? Thanks for all your help in advance.

silverminevette

georgec114

It's simple....BUT, you need help.

You need to pop the interior liner off under the halo.
(Remove the push in type fasteners with a large screwdriver or
use a barbecue fork to slide around them

Then the halo cover (interior) is held on by velcro type fasteners.

After that's off, you will see two hinges connecting the hatch to
the halo. You can loosen the bolts almost all the way. The hatch won't
go anywhere. You'll see that there are sevearl shims between the hinge
and the halo and they are almost glued in with the black sealant.

Be careful because this stuff is sticky and messy. Wear some latex
gloves and don't get it on your seats or interior.

With the bolts loosened, if you slowly try to lower the hatch, you
will see the hinge separate from the shims. The shims should stay
in place.

This is where your friends come in.

Once you detach the hydraulic lifters (you're on your own here about
how to get them off), have your friends hold the hatch while you
remove the bolts.

Before you do remove the hatch, take a few pictures or note carefully
the hatch relationship to the body. See where the glass fits and
the tolerances to the quarterpanels in case you need to adjust.

BTW...removing shims will actually lower the glass in relationship
to the halo. I had to do this my 2001 coupe because the glass
would contact the edge of the halo.


Reverse procedure to install.


Good Luck...George

flash134

I know

flash134

Thanks a million George.