Look here for help first!
rear hatch panel removal
rear hatch panel removal
Hey it's me! It's been a while but a few weeks ago my lock on my rear hatch ceased to recognize my key. I haven't a clue how to get at it, just spent about a half hour trying to get the plastic interior panel off and I decided to stop before I make a big mess or break the panel. I can't understand the little plastic plugs that appear to be phillips heads but just spin endlessly. Any direction would be much appreciated as I can no longer open the hatch. Thanks
-
ARCHINSTL
- Goldie Forever
- Posts: 6369
- Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 1:52 pm
- My tercel:: Goldie is a 1986 SR5 attualmente con Weber/also owned the first T4WD in STL in late '82
- Location: Kirkwood, a 'burb of St. Louis
I had a similar problem, although I was removing the Quasimodo on the lid to repaint it.
The little "bolts" screw into an expander-type fitting which expands into a hole in the lid.
The six or so little guys can be difficult; I removed them by gently inserting the blade of a utility knife directly under the head of the screw and prying upwards, again gently, whilst turning the head. This worked on all by two; one was removed by putting the blade under the escutcheon (term?) of the mount, again lifting gently whilst turning. And finally, I had to just use "brute force" to pop out another; however, it reinserted and looks OK, although it no longer works.
Note that there are still a number of "darts" integrated into the panel which can be removed from the steel lid by use of an appropriate putty knife; these will be evident when the little screws are removed. I would recommend putting a little silicone or similar on the darts for easier removal "if there is a next time."
Tom M.
The little "bolts" screw into an expander-type fitting which expands into a hole in the lid.
The six or so little guys can be difficult; I removed them by gently inserting the blade of a utility knife directly under the head of the screw and prying upwards, again gently, whilst turning the head. This worked on all by two; one was removed by putting the blade under the escutcheon (term?) of the mount, again lifting gently whilst turning. And finally, I had to just use "brute force" to pop out another; however, it reinserted and looks OK, although it no longer works.
Note that there are still a number of "darts" integrated into the panel which can be removed from the steel lid by use of an appropriate putty knife; these will be evident when the little screws are removed. I would recommend putting a little silicone or similar on the darts for easier removal "if there is a next time."
Tom M.
T4WD augury?
"Oh, do not ask, 'What is it?' Let us go and make our visit."
T.S. Eliot - "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"
"Now and then we had a hope that, if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates."
Mark Twain
"Oh, do not ask, 'What is it?' Let us go and make our visit."
T.S. Eliot - "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"
"Now and then we had a hope that, if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates."
Mark Twain