Hi guys, I just found a Mariah Hatch today and was looking for as much information on it as I could find.

I was curious if the seal around the rear glass was replaceable as this one is very worn out.

I was also curious if it was worth fixing as it has a few small cracks starting in a few places.

If anyone has any info on this one please let me know. I want to keep it but I will sell it if its not worth fixing up.

 

I guess my other questions would be to those who have owned them in the past. How is the seal? Do they make a lot of noise? How do they fare in a daily driven environment? Can they be insulated well?

Another pic :

 

nobody has any experience with these ?

 

if the shape is true it's going to use the same seal the hatch glass used .... with that being said why would there be a problem?

 

Call Mariah.
Those guys are still around and they would know off the top of their heads. lol

 

I dont think Mariah would be up for telling me all the real world gripes associated with this hatch haha. On the seals I planned to call them, but my main concern is how they actually perform on a daily..

 

On my weekend car for the past 10 years, and I can attest that it seals just as well as the factory glass. The rear window seals well too, and I would expect that Mariah would sell you the rubber glass attachment for about $100 or less if you're nice to them about it. The window uses a standard sandwich design on the glass with a strip that goes in on the inside to hold it all in position. Very easy to install/change, and as long as the glass is intact (it's tempered safety glass) you should be good.

Regarding noise and performance, I'd say it's a bit louder going over bumps, as it's fiberglass so you pick up a bit of drumming effect. On the road, its quiet and the wind noise is nonexistent. Know that you'll lose about 5% fuel efficiency because that flat rear surface doesn't channel air well to the back of the car - though it's unlikely you'll notice this unless you do a lot of freeway driving and keep track of your mileage records.

All in all, I think it's a very unique addition to an 80's car and drastically improves the look. For what you have there, it should sell for a very good price (~$700+) to someone who knows what it is and is willing to fit it to their car - it may even be simple bolt-up as it uses the factory hinges and latch plate.

Definitely get your hands on it and find someone who will want it - Mariah makes quality stuff and no problems with the fiberglass construction or fitment after so many years on my car. You should expect a few fine hairline cracks as it ages and flexes over time. Good luck,

 

Thank you longduck! I knew someone here on the forums with a yellow FB had one, but I couldnt remember your name haha

 

I have one on one of my fb's as well. You lose some visibility, obviously. I was considering wrapping the inside of it with material to match my interior. The sides flare out a bit, wish there were a way to pull them in a bit tighter to the body.

Other than that, no complaints here.

 

I always loved the look of these hatches and would like one on a track car. Nice find!

 

I always thought the same thing.
There are too many things I want from Mariah.

 

its very light, would be perfect for a track machine.

this one might go up for sale soon though :C