Rear Hatch Help

*blueka* · 04-02-2007, 08:40 PM

I've changed my hatch from a 97 to a 99 and I've got a major problem...

There's a massive gap, and it won't line up.

I've used the 99 hinges, 99 struts and the hatch, but it won't sit straight, as a result I've managed to bend all the top of the lid...

does anyone have any ideas how I can sort this out? I've even tried changing to the 97 hinges and this makes no difference at all...

Si

**MONMIX** · 04-03-2007, 08:35 PM

the bolts that go into the hatch control the up and down that seem to be giving you the issue
Removing the struts make the adjustments easier. I some times also remove the latches.

Good luck and let me know if you need any further help.

cgriffin_5139 · 04-03-2007, 08:42 PM

Wait 97 and 99 haches are the same?

*blueka* · 04-03-2007, 08:46 PM

it's booked into fords tomorrow for them to have a bash... it's annoying me

Attached are before and after shots

Si

**Burns** · 04-03-2007, 08:47 PM

oh i like it.

**MONMIX** · 04-03-2007, 08:49 PM

yikes
good luck with that....

*blueka* · 04-03-2007, 08:49 PM

cheers guys

Si

*blueka* · 04-08-2007, 11:50 AM

I've found out why it doesn't fit!!! it's cos I bent the hinge mounts on the underside of the door when I first opened it and it foulded..

So I've got to get a new door

Si

*CDW6212R* · 04-08-2007, 12:29 PM

I recall having a hard time refitting my 93 hatch, after removing it to change left quarter panel. There is very very little adjustment, I had to hammer the top edge downward(bent it to set flush), and fill the ripples, etc.

Sorry to hear of the bent hatch, are you sure that it cannot be bent back inward, the mounting structure is very strong. I'd bet that a good body man could make it fit. I know how heavy the hatch is, that was the hard part. I had to test fit my hatch many times until I was happy with it. Good luck,

wishtorace · 09-03-2008, 01:38 PM

did you try bending it inward? any success?

i had a strut break off on my 97 and it then bent the hatch on the opposite side where the hinge attaches. I now have to push my hatch to the left to even get it to close and apply pressure to latch it. i could deal with that but since the top is bent it added a larger than normal gap between the hatch and the body which now doesnt seal the top.

it hasnt rained yet luckily but i cant decide how to fix it. should i get a new door or is there a way to push the dent in? i will post pics soon.

04-02-2007, 08:40 PM	#1
blueka Elite Explorer Saskatchewan, Canada 97 UK XL & 99 Sport V8 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,614 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Rear Hatch Help I've changed my hatch from a 97 to a 99 and I've got a major problem... There's a massive gap, and it won't line up. I've used the 99 hinges, 99 struts and the hatch, but it won't sit straight, as a result I've managed to bend all the top of the lid... does anyone have any ideas how I can sort this out? I've even tried changing to the 97 hinges and this makes no difference at all... Si Attached Images __________________ '97 Explorer XL 4.0 SOHC V6 "Betty" '99 Explorer Sport Limited 5.0 OHV V8 "Pickle" My "Betty" Registry My "Pickle" Registry

04-03-2007, 08:35 PM	#2
MONMIX I fix dents Millersville , Maryland 2000 Explorer Sport Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,850 Vehicle Specs	the bolts that go into the hatch control the up and down that seem to be giving you the issue Removing the struts make the adjustments easier. I some times also remove the latches. Good luck and let me know if you need any further help. __________________ MONMIX Wheels and intake for sale Live your life for a change My Explorer CHURCH.... sort of

04-03-2007, 08:46 PM	#4
blueka Elite Explorer Saskatchewan, Canada 97 UK XL & 99 Sport V8 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,614 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	it's booked into fords tomorrow for them to have a bash... it's annoying me Attached are before and after shots Si Attached Images __________________ '97 Explorer XL 4.0 SOHC V6 "Betty" '99 Explorer Sport Limited 5.0 OHV V8 "Pickle" My "Betty" Registry My "Pickle" Registry

04-03-2007, 08:49 PM	#6
MONMIX I fix dents Millersville , Maryland 2000 Explorer Sport Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,850 Vehicle Specs	yikes good luck with that.... __________________ MONMIX Wheels and intake for sale Live your life for a change My Explorer CHURCH.... sort of

04-03-2007, 08:49 PM	#7
blueka Elite Explorer Saskatchewan, Canada 97 UK XL & 99 Sport V8 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,614 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	cheers guys Si __________________ '97 Explorer XL 4.0 SOHC V6 "Betty" '99 Explorer Sport Limited 5.0 OHV V8 "Pickle" My "Betty" Registry My "Pickle" Registry

04-03-2007, 08:42 PM	#3
cgriffin_5139 B Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 3,574 Vehicle Specs	Wait 97 and 99 haches are the same?

04-03-2007, 08:47 PM	#5
Burns EF Late Night Crew Memphis, TN 1991 Explorer/2002 F-250 Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 8,927 Vehicle Specs	oh i like it.

04-08-2007, 11:50 AM	#8
blueka Elite Explorer Saskatchewan, Canada 97 UK XL & 99 Sport V8 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,614 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I've found out why it doesn't fit!!! it's cos I bent the hinge mounts on the underside of the door when I first opened it and it foulded.. So I've got to get a new door Si __________________ '97 Explorer XL 4.0 SOHC V6 "Betty" '99 Explorer Sport Limited 5.0 OHV V8 "Pickle" My "Betty" Registry My "Pickle" Registry

04-08-2007, 12:29 PM	#9
CDW6212R Elite Explorer Knoxville, TN 98 Mountaineer A4WD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 13,016 Vehicle Specs	I recall having a hard time refitting my 93 hatch, after removing it to change left quarter panel. There is very very little adjustment, I had to hammer the top edge downward(bent it to set flush), and fill the ripples, etc. Sorry to hear of the bent hatch, are you sure that it cannot be bent back inward, the mounting structure is very strong. I'd bet that a good body man could make it fit. I know how heavy the hatch is, that was the hard part. I had to test fit my hatch many times until I was happy with it. Good luck, __________________ Don 91 Lincoln LSC/SE, 99/93 Explorer Limited 4WD, 98 AWD Mounty with 255/55/18's, big sway bars, and 12.75" x 1.25" rotors. Soon a BW4406, built trans, stereo and interior. The best thing that could help us all, is the Fair Tax Plan. Be American, Buy American (Manufacturer)

09-03-2008, 01:38 PM	#10
wishtorace Wannabe Elite Explorer athens, ohio 1997 2dr 5spd Sport Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 21 Vehicle Specs	did you try bending it inward? any success? i had a strut break off on my 97 and it then bent the hatch on the opposite side where the hinge attaches. I now have to push my hatch to the left to even get it to close and apply pressure to latch it. i could deal with that but since the top is bent it added a larger than normal gap between the hatch and the body which now doesnt seal the top. it hasnt rained yet luckily but i cant decide how to fix it. should i get a new door or is there a way to push the dent in? i will post pics soon.