Hey guys -

This weekend I'll be removing the rear hatch for some paint work. Has anyone done this before? Looks like you have to remove the headliner I'm guessing, but there's also exposed nuts on the hatch hinges you can see with the hatch open.

Anyone have any words of wisdom?

Thanks!
Dale

 

You don't have to fully remove the headliner - just separate the rear clips and let it hang down. You will then have access to the nuts.

It is a also a good idea to mark the location of the hinges so that everything will line up when you reinstall.

 

Have a friend ready to help. The hatch with the glass is MUCH heavier than you would think.

 

weighs a ton...more than likely the heaviest panel on the car

 

Dale,

I've done this multiple times..

Best is to:

1. loosen the back part of the weather seal
2. you might have to remove the rear speaker panel to get to the push pins that hold part of the head liner... Then pull the back part of the head liner down. Its clipped on.
3. remove the plastics cover under the hatch and un do the defrost wires. If you can, pull the wires out of the hatch.
4. remove the hatch struts.. I just un do the bolt by using 10mm wrench... Oh, make sure someone helps you hold the hatch.
5. loosen the nut that holds the hinge behind the head liner. I think its 12mm nut. during this time, make sure your friend is holding the hatch evenly.
6. once the nuts are off, Now get out and help pull the hatch off the car.

Good luck. If you have a question about it, call me

 

Thanks guys! I was hoping I wouldn't have to take half the damn interior apart . I have a buddy coming over to lend a hand.

Thanks!

Dale

 

Pulled it off today, really not that bad. I used Phil's trick of popping the headliner down to get to the 4 12mm bolts that hold the hatch to the body.

Be careful with the headliner, just go in easy, find the clip, and pop it down with a slim tool of some kind. I used one of those nylon panel pry tools. Also, don't get carried away pulling the headliner down, just down enough to get the wrench in. After a few turns with the wrench they came off the rest of the way by hand.

I removed all the nuts, had a buddy hold the hatch, unbolted the 2 hatch shocks from the hatch, then pulled it off. Nice and easy.

Undoing the wiring was a little tricky. The rubber grommet where it meets the hatch has 2 clips on either side that keep it in place. Had to do a little prying to pop it loose. Unplugged the few things going to the hatch, snaked the harness through, and was done.

You might have more work with a touring with the rear wiper, not sure how that adds to the wiring.

I also noticed there was black RTV on the face of the hatch to body connection. I think this is a good idea to put a little black RTV around the studs to make a watertight seal so you don't get water intrusion down the road.

Hopefully reinstallation will go well. Tomorrow the hatch is getting painted (sanded/prepped today) so we'll see!

Thanks again,
Dale