AO

Has anyone tried to retrofit an electric hatch release to an OB? I'm getting tired of always using that damn key.

Nicole

Hmmm... Why would you chose to cause yourself extra trouble?

AO

LOL! I guess it's a metter of perspective. Are they really that much fuss?

bwebb77

No not really, just ever once in a while. My hatch release worked well for almost 20 years. Then had problems with receiver and nylon catch on top. Replaced both for around $120. Works great now, hopeful want have any more problems for the rest of the life of the car.

Alan

Andrew,
Don't see why you couldn't - but you'd probably need to find a donor car for the parts. Switch + ***** are expensive new (say ~$70 each) and I'm sure the whole new hatch reciever and release motor are too. Other than that the wiring is pretty simple once you have all the parts. If you added a keyless entry you could do without the switche(s) and still save some money. You'll need to mod (drill) the support for the motor @ the hatch receiver - or swap the whole thing out with donor version.

Of you could just swap the whole car for a donor version with one

Alan

Andrew Schauer

Andrew-
I've retrofitted a hatch release into my 1980. The hardest part of the whole process was collecting all the parts needed. You'll need to drill two holes to mount the motor bracket, and file/Dremel some of the sheet metal surrounding the hatch receiver opening in order to make room for the release lever.
Parts needed:
Later model latch receiver, with release arm
Release motor, with bracket
Release switch, next to drivers seat. (later models came with a switch on both the driver and passenger sides)

Let me know if you'd like more details, I can probably snap some pictures of the modifications needed.

Nicole

Actuallyl not really, unless parts are worn out or out of adjustment (and adjusting can be a pain). I was just pulling your leg...

John Krawczyk

I keep an extra red key in the door pocket.

AO

Note to self: Take John's key from door pocket when he's not looking.

John Krawczyk

Hey Andrew. Dont waste your time. I dont leave them there.

Sean79 5spd

I did it. Procured the switch, receiver and actuator (about $125 Total). Took power off the rear wiper and ran a wire from switch to actuator. Most difficult part was modifying the plate where the receiver mounts. After a little screwing around, it works fine.

Sean

AO

Cool-

Thanks everyone. I think I'll put this on the list of things to do when I think I'm done with everything else.