As title says. I have an 81 and have the automatic hatch release assembly from an 83. Can it be installed in my car? I noticed the wiring harness is different in my car from the part. Have not bought the switch yet but can get a switch on e-bay for my year. Just would like the convience of hitting a button to open the hatch. Here is a picture of the part.

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The switch is a momentary switch that only works while the button is pushed, the same way a doorbell chimes. That being said, if the connectors don't match up, all you need to do is determine +/- wires and use bullet and female spade connectors.

 

The wiring should be present in the 81, as even the early 79's were available with the remote hatch release.
If the connectors are different, you either need the parts to match them, or make the needed wiring "Adjustments" as trochoid mentioned.

 

The hatch assembly actuators from 81-85 should all have the same connector on them which is a 2 male spade connector similar to the configuration on the back of our alternators. The switch that goes into the lower portion of the trim below the dash however is as follows. 81-83, 84-85.

The 81-85 models were pretty much designed to put any option on the car. Meaning that you could install power windows,power mirrors,power hatch release, cruise control, A/C,etc.. on a model that did not come with them from the factory.
Most of the wiring is there for all except for the power mirrors and the power windows which you have to obtain the harness that goes thru the doors. The other harnesses are already incorparted in the original design. They are already wired for the switches.
It's a matter of acquiring all the necessary parts to complete whatever option you are adding to the vehicle.

 

Thanks guys. Where is the switch located so I can find the wires and put it in?

 

The hatch and fuel door releases. are side by side, left of the steering column.

 

Thanks. You the man.

 

Which leads to me getting odd looks, when I accidentally hit the wrong one when I pull up to the gas pump......

 

i hate that crap too...i ALWAYS pull the damn hatch lock instead of the gas lock lol....

 

Yeah, it's much more subtle to close the fuel door, on the way to lifting the hatch....... Fortunately, the fuel door is convienently located between the switch and hatch...LOL