I have a 91 LS an the back hatch by the key lock an in the center is rusted out. I bought a used hatch and after painting an priming this week, it will be ready to be installed. Problem is Im not sure how. I know it has to bolt on somewhere under the headliner but I dont know how to get the headliner down to get the old hatch off annew one on. Can anyone help me? And if anyone lives near the Poconos Im down for throwin ya some cash to help me.
Don’t remove the nuts under the headliner! Have 1 or 2 people help you. First remove the struts then lift and hold the hatch as high as possible and use a ratcheting wrench to remove the bolts that hold the hinge to the hatch. Reverse to install.
If you remove the hinge from the car body you will run the risk of water leaks and rust.
Take a close look at the hinges and you will understand what I’m talking about. The factory uses epoxy to seal the hinges before the car is painted. If the hinge is removed exoxy will come with it along with some paint.
u do need to lower the headliner dont u? how about the wiring for the rear defrost and all of that
The wiring runs down inside the quarter panel. Remove the rear trim. Of course honda makes this a great job by making you pretty much remove the entire rear trim of the car right into the back seats on the right side. Reach into the quarter panel and feel around for the plug for the wires and unplug it…I know, it sucks. I had to change the hatch on an 81 civic a couple of months ago at work and trust me, until you try that one this is easy. 