Rear Hatch Won't Latch
MrWhoopee
Wagonist
I first experienced this problem with my CRX, more recently it started on my '88 RT. The rear hatch wouldn't latch without excessive force. When I examined the latch mechanism, this is what I saw.
[IMG][/img]
I also saw some shards of rubber in the dovetail slot. I surmised that there had been some sort of bumper that occupied that slot. I found a piece of firm rubber about the thickness of the latch and cut it (crudely) with a razor blade to fit the slot, then trimmed it like this.
[IMG][/img]
The dovetail is big enough to retain itself in the slot when inserted with needle-nose pliers. The hatch now closes perfectly without slamming.
[IMG][/img]
I also saw some shards of rubber in the dovetail slot. I surmised that there had been some sort of bumper that occupied that slot. I found a piece of firm rubber about the thickness of the latch and cut it (crudely) with a razor blade to fit the slot, then trimmed it like this.
[IMG][/img]
The dovetail is big enough to retain itself in the slot when inserted with needle-nose pliers. The hatch now closes perfectly without slamming.
Comments
One can also achieve the same result by adding thickness to the striker loop on the hatch. The body of a Bic 'Clic' disposable ballpoint pen is the perfect size/thickness/consistency. Just cut a piece to fit the striker leg, then slice it longways and pop it on. The added girth compensates for the missing cladding on the latch arm.
Darn you, Craig! Now you've got me wanting to go try your trick...
edit: i went and searched a bit, i knew i had gotten that idea from here originally:
https://www.civicwagon.com/showthread.php?9080-quot-Cricket-quot-Squeaking-Noise-Inside-the-Back-of-Your-Wagon&highlight=Rear+striker