Station Wagon Hatch to body alignment

[skuhler]

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?

[Prafeston]

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.

[1985amceagle]

I also have that issue

[IowaEagle]

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.

[Prafeston]

Good point Doug!

[IowaEagle]

That is how we learn.  It may not be his problem, but is something to look into.

[EAGLER]

headliner must be partially removed from the back so you can gain some access to the hinge´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

[skuhler]

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.