AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Body Shop => Topic started by: skuhler on December 10, 2013, 09:09:24 PM

Title: Station Wagon Hatch to body alignment
Post by: skuhler on December 10, 2013, 09:09:24 PM
Nothing came up on the search, but I bet someone has had this issue.  My hatch on my wagon appears to be original with no rust or repairs causing it to be odd shaped, but the left side is about 3/8 to 1/2 inch out of alignment and sticks out enough to notice on the bottom edge.  The right side sits flush with a reasonable amount of clearance up and down the side.  I've loosened up the nuts on the hatch side of the hinges and jinked with it a little but it doesn't seem to make a difference.  Anybody have an idea on how to align that one side?
Title: Re: Station Wagon Hatch to body alignment
Post by: Prafeston on December 10, 2013, 09:52:24 PM
My old wagon was like that too. It was a pretty pristine example too, but the right side had more clearance than the left side. Sounds like the opposite of you. I wasn't sure if it had something to do with new struts for the hatch door making it raise to fast and bending something or what. I never figured out why the deal was. Didn't really look into it..

This is like the closest photo I could find that shows how it's a little different on each side. The clearance on the the sides going up the hatch and where the hatch meets at body at the bottom.

(http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy46/Prafeston/20120331_174202.jpg) (http://s776.photobucket.com/user/Prafeston/media/20120331_174202.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Station Wagon Hatch to body alignment
Post by: 1985amceagle on December 11, 2013, 12:35:37 AM
I also have that issue
Title: Re: Station Wagon Hatch to body alignment
Post by: IowaEagle on December 11, 2013, 10:15:45 AM
The lift struts are an issue, oftentimes.  That is why they should be replaced in pairs.  Its hard to adjust a lift gate if one has more "oomph" than the other one.  I made the mistake once when Rambler Mentality got in the way.
Title: Re: Station Wagon Hatch to body alignment
Post by: Prafeston on December 11, 2013, 12:10:17 PM
Good point Doug!
Title: Re: Station Wagon Hatch to body alignment
Post by: IowaEagle on December 11, 2013, 01:06:23 PM
That is how we learn.  It may not be his problem, but is something to look into.
Title: Re: Station Wagon Hatch to body alignment
Post by: EAGLER on December 11, 2013, 01:45:20 PM
headliner must be partially removed from the back so you can gain some access to the hingeĀ“s nuts, then you have to loose all 4 and close liftgate until they get allined then you just have to retight them again and you done. btw without the hydraulic lifters would make it easier
Title: Re: Station Wagon Hatch to body alignment
Post by: skuhler on December 12, 2013, 08:00:52 AM
Thanks for the ideas.  I wondered if there was some room for adjustment on the hinge where the nuts are under the headliner.  That's where I'll start.