How could I possibly have this big of a gap from my hatch metal to the lights? I know this can't be right....and the lights are on properly, and it looks like the hatch is on there properly as well.

Is there some sort of weather stripping that goes in between, or is this possibly not the original hatch?? What would cause a gap like this?

 

I think that's pretty par for the course. I believe it's partially like that to let water run into that channel to drain away from the car.

I'll have to check my car next time I'm in the garage for you - I know my car is straight and good on the body panels.

Dale

 

So that is about right then? I wasn't sure as I've never seen the back of another FD up close, so I thought something might be up with mine.

 

That gap looks right. Just clean it out every now and then, lots of crud down there.

 

my gap has been like that too i can even see "pull" somewhere between the gaps too

 

Guess I either need new plastics for back there or I need to paint these ones. They are all sun faded and look like crap in the gap. Maybe if they were nice and shiney black it wouldn't be as noticeable.

 

looks about right
at first i thought there was supposed to be a rubber weatherstripping there, but i guess its just like that..never had a leak or problem

 

Yea mine just looks bad because the car must have sat out in the sun at the previous owner's house, and it's all faded. Makes it look weird. I'll get it painted when I take the car in for paint work and I'm sure it will make a world of difference.

 

that gap is a little big but normal. your hatch is positioned more toward the back. i have the opposite where there's a nasty gap up on top. and its even wider than that one. adjusting the hatch would be a pita.

 

My car was totally different. I couldn't even fit my finger between the brake light assembly and the hatch to open it. I always had to pull gently on the rear wiper to get the hatch up enough to open it. I am going to say that the gap on your car is too pronounced. I don't think Mazda was ever that sloppy with their Fit-N-Finish measurements.

Joe

 

if he's ever had that hatch off at a body shop to put new paint on the car that may be the cause of it. that's what happened 2 my hatch. if you check the fsm there is a section about adjusting the hatch gaps.

 

I really don't like the gap, so I'm going to check out the FSM and see if I can adjust it. I think it looks hideous how it is.

 

I hate that gap too..

 

Match the corners of the hatch up with the edge of the rear fenders (you'll see where it should line up or match). Or at least look at those two points and see if there off. I painted my hatch and didn't pay attention when I put it back on and it's too close to the lights (less than my pinky finger)