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  • March 28, 2024, 08:37:14 AM

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Author Topic: SX/4 rear latch question  (Read 1467 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

yopnopp

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SX/4 rear latch question
« on: March 20, 2021, 03:19:48 PM »
I just replaced the struts on the lift gate but the latch doesn’t close. Can someone tell me what I’m missing or where I can find a replacement? I haven’t been able to find any videos or pictures of this close up.

Offline rmick

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Re: SX/4 rear latch question
« Reply #1 on: March 20, 2021, 08:37:42 PM »
Looks like its in the locked position. take a screwdriver and rotate the latch so the opening in the catch is facing up.
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72 Gremlin with 4.0
81 SX 4

yopnopp

  • Guest
Re: SX/4 rear latch question
« Reply #2 on: March 20, 2021, 09:37:15 PM »
The thick metal bar is removeable. I played with the latch but that didn't help any.

Offline AMC of Houston

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Re: SX/4 rear latch question
« Reply #3 on: March 21, 2021, 01:02:42 AM »
Could be the pressure of the new struts have moved the hatch a skosh to where the latch adjustment isn't quite right; especially if the hinges are a bit sloppy with wear.   Need to play with the latch bar (the part in your pic) to get it lined up correctly with the latch on the lift gate.   Give us a pic of the latch part on the lift gate so we can see if its not right.
George G.
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1960 1902 Rambler Replica
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yopnopp

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Re: SX/4 rear latch question
« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2021, 04:30:08 PM »
Here you go. I feel like something is missing. The latch on top connects more right but it’s the original one. Even before I changed the struts, which were the same length, it wouldn’t latch shut.

Offline AMC of Houston

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Re: SX/4 rear latch question
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2021, 01:02:57 PM »
Yeah; looks OK from here.  Can you click the latch closed with a screwdriver OK??   If so, I'd say you just need to play with the adjustment (on the bar) until you get it right.
George G.
'81 Eagle Sundancer
'85 Eagle Waggie
1960 1902 Rambler Replica
'64 American
'70 AMX (Big Bad Blue), '70 AMX (White)
'77 Gremlin
'78 Pacer Coupe, '78 Pacer Wagon
'79 Pacer Wagon
'73 Jensen Interceptor
'86 Audi 5000 Turbo
'98 Aston Martin DB7
'09 Nissan Titan
'10 Nissan Maxima

yopnopp

  • Guest
Re: SX/4 rear latch question
« Reply #6 on: March 22, 2021, 01:08:32 PM »
Yeah I’ve tried that but the bar doesn’t seem to want to go into the latch itself. Moving the position of it, the latch is too far right from the bottom part.

Offline AMC of Houston

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Re: SX/4 rear latch question
« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2021, 05:09:33 PM »
And the lift gate is straight on the body??   Weird.   Wonder if things got smacked sometime in the past?   AMC has used that same latch since the '60's, and yours looks "normal" to me.

The bolt holes in the upper latch are a bit bigger than the bolts, and will allow a little left/right adjustment.  I think one could slot the holes some more for additional adjustment if needed.
George G.
'81 Eagle Sundancer
'85 Eagle Waggie
1960 1902 Rambler Replica
'64 American
'70 AMX (Big Bad Blue), '70 AMX (White)
'77 Gremlin
'78 Pacer Coupe, '78 Pacer Wagon
'79 Pacer Wagon
'73 Jensen Interceptor
'86 Audi 5000 Turbo
'98 Aston Martin DB7
'09 Nissan Titan
'10 Nissan Maxima

 

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