Topic: Rear Hatch Handle 82' CE
in Forum: C3 Body
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Hello, afraid to attempt to open the rear hatch - getting it to close. The handle, located behind the drivers seat on the side wall, to open the rear hatch on my 82' CE, is not attached to the cable that will open the hatch. I can see the end of the cable sitting just inside the side wall carpet. I also have the handle that attaches to that cable. Can someone give me an idea of how to re-attach the handle to the cable? Chic
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Former Member
Send PM
Milwaukie, OR - USA
Joined: 10/19/2015
Posts: 71
Vette(s): '78 Silver Anniversary T Top coupe,58k orig miles.
THM350 auto, 350 L48, JBM headers,Oyster White interior,.as of Nov '15 in process of painting.
Well, If you have the handle..can you examine it and see how the cable was once attached to it?
Did the cable break or simply come disconnected?
Was the connection a crimped on one similar to the cross under hood cable or one attached with set screws or what?
My 78 doesn't have such an apparatus..but that'd be where I'd start..Jim
20152515373r.jpg)
Check out eBay for a new/used cable, just sold one last summer with the latches. Fairly easy to replace, but you might have to get the hatch open to do it. Go way in the back on the drivers side corner underneath the black trim, If you can get the first latch to unlock manually, there is another cable that goes across to trip the other side. With the hatch open you should be able to install your new cable. Adjust it so both latches open the same amount at the same time. Be careful, the latches are a bit touchy and the glass is very expensive and hard to find. Good luck !!
John Sigmund
valkman57@sbcglobal.net
NCRS Member 61302
NW NCRS Chapter Member
Duct tape is the new Black !!
Former Member
Send PM
Milwaukie, OR - USA
Joined: 10/19/2015
Posts: 71
Vette(s): '78 Silver Anniversary T Top coupe,58k orig miles.
THM350 auto, 350 L48, JBM headers,Oyster White interior,.as of Nov '15 in process of painting.
Opening the hood when the cable is broken on the handle end can be done IF you can get TO the cable remnant and put a vise grip on it to pull it..
IF you cannot do THAT,
There are two rubber 1" plugs on the cowling which can be accessed from the windshield side.
They are tucked back in and under the hood ..You may have to stop the windshield wiper in an upward position to get access to the rubber plugs.
One is on the driver's side about 2" left toward the fender from the latch mech beneath the hood.
Use a small dull screwdriver to push the rubber plug into the engine compartment..
Then you have to bend a longer flat blade screwdriver so's it passes thru the hole and jogs 90 degrees right for 2" and then bent 90 degrees left then straight for an inch or so,..
Press down on the hood latch to release it..
Passenger's side latch is easier as the rubber grommet is straight in from the hole ..
For those of you who have a C3 of later vintage, open the hood and take a few pics and measurement..or better yet, get out the torch and make the tool and set it aside..
There's several fair videos on YouTube that helped me..tho they were not perfectly done..
Jim
Jim forgive me if I mislead you. My concern is the rear window hatch on the 82 CE, not the hood latch. The handle is broken off from the cable to open the rear glass hatch. However your idea of using a vice grip is great. It would certainly work because I can see it and reach it if need be. Good idea. Thanks. Chic
Former Member
Send PM
Milwaukie, OR - USA
Joined: 10/19/2015
Posts: 71
Vette(s): '78 Silver Anniversary T Top coupe,58k orig miles.
THM350 auto, 350 L48, JBM headers,Oyster White interior,.as of Nov '15 in process of painting.
Chic, Sorry, Trying to focus on too many things at once..:)..:)Jim
Chic, full disclosure on the '82 Collector rear hatches, not only are the latches touchy, but the hinges are pretty weak. If you get yours open and it looks like the male portion of the latch has been hitting the black plastic surround, the hinges are starting to bend. Close it down very carefully and try to help the hatch back to where it belongs before you gently push it down to latch. I certainly understand you want to get the cable fixed and the hatch working, but this can be a very expensive can of worms if your not careful. Hopefully yours opens and closes like it did back in '82 !!
John Sigmund
valkman57@sbcglobal.net
NCRS Member 61302
NW NCRS Chapter Member
Duct tape is the new Black !!
Jim and John, thanks for your input. The more I think about it, the only reason I want to open the rear hatch is to replace the very dry weather striping. Is there some kind of oil, etc. that I can put on the wx striping to soften it up? I really do not need to open it for sure. Again thanks. Chic
in Forum: C3 Body
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)