question about hatch panels

[born2drv]

you know if you take all the hatch panels out how you can reach in the various holes of the framework? (like to replace the antenna for example). Well I plan on getting rid of the antenna and I was wondering if there was anything else you need to have access to?

The reason I'm asking this is because I was thinking to have someone weld in some sheet metal on the sides of the hatch to completely cover up the wheel well areas so there would be less road noise. is this a bad idea? do you think i will need access to those panels to change anything else??

 

[da89soup]

Yes start with the back pannels and work your way forward. If I remember corectly the order is back, then top sides, then bottom sides ect. Its much work but not that hard. Just start by popping out the plugs and unscrewing. I think you will need to pull the back seat to get the sides out if I remember correctly.

 

[born2drv]

thanks for the reply, but that's not what i really meant.

all the hatch panels are removed from the car right now, so it's just the metal framework.

i'll show you what i mean:

i want to weld in sheets of metal in various spots in the hatch to completely seal up the car and make it have less road noise.

i have a lot of rust in the wheel wells and other areas back there so i'm going to have someone grind it all down, repair it, clean it up, etc.... i was just wondering if i could have them also weld in a sheet of metal on the inside to completely close up the hatch so there are no holes in the framework. this would make it impossible to replace the power antenna of course since it would all be sealed, but i don't care since i'm having the antenna hole shaved smooth.

my concern is, will i be sealing off anything else that will need to be accessible in order to make other repairs?

 

[da89soup]

No, Not that I know of...... If you get rid of the antenna you should be fine. I would pull those plugs further up in the rear fender wells in case you get water in there. Dont you have to get in there to change the light bulb in the rear sides??? Cant remember my car is in storage so cant go look right now.......

 

[born2drv]

No, Not that I know of...... If you get rid of the antenna you should be fine. I would pull those plugs further up in the rear fender wells in case you get water in there. Dont you have to get in there to change the light bulb in the rear sides??? Cant remember my car is in storage so cant go look right now.......

I'm going to have some of the rear sealed up but of course I'll leave it so that the tail lights are accessable.

 

[xrated89]

rear side signals and trim are accessed through the sides

 

[IJ.]

B2: Unless you either roll beads into the sheets or use antidrum mat it's going to resonate like a bitch

Either way I think you'll be surprised at how much weight you end up adding!

 

[da89soup]

IJ FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!