Rear Hatch Adjustment

[cayenne]

I noticed tonight that my rear hatch isn't aligned left to right. The panel gaps from driver side to passenger side aren't close and the passenger side is so close that it seems it has rubbed a small place in the clear coat at the bottom corner where all the panels meet. It isn't touching now, so I assume this was done at the factory before final alignment. I'm concerned that the passenger gap is so close that any movement at all will do damage. The hatch is already difficult to close as most are so it worries me that something will happen. In the picture the drivers side "A" measurement is 5/16" gap where the passenger side "B" measurement is 1/8"...

It looks like the only way to reach the two bolts that hold the hatch on is by removing the headliner. Is that the only way I can adjust left/right? I would rather do this myself than take it to a dealership... I know I will be careful and all exposed paint will be taped off, I seriously doubt they will be that careful and I'll regret even having them look at it. What is the easiest way to adjust it?

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s231/ULragin_cajun/Viper%20Rear%20Hatch_zps6ehmm6dj.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ULragin_cajun/media/Viper%20Rear%20Hatch_zps6ehmm6dj.jpg.html)

[lochnessmonster]

Quite honestly cayenne, I'm all about messing with my car, but that would be an issue I wouldn't touch. It seems to me that it's something that needs to be adjusted by the factory. You might want to consider taking it to the dealership and see what you can come up with before you do something you might regret. I'm not saying let them work on it, but they might have a solution for you.

[ViperSmith]

To me that is the actual glass is a bit off in the way it was mounted to the hatch

[FLATOUT]

You can make adjustments left and right with the trunk lid striker (where the trunk latches). This should give you some left to right adjustment. I spend time adjusting the panel gaps on all my Vipers, it's usually quite simple.

[cayenne]

To me that is the actual glass is a bit off in the way it was mounted to the hatch


That's what I initially thought, but you can follow the gaps all the way back down the decklid under the spoiler and the are all off left to right which makes me think it's the entire hatch.


You can make adjustments left and right with the trunk lid striker (where the trunk latches). This should give you some left to right adjustment. I spend time adjusting the panel gaps on all my Vipers, it's usually quite simple.


I made a couple small adjustments there and made some improvement, but honestly it has gotten even harder to close. I have to completely slam it to get it to go through both stages of the latch. It seems that his is only cocking the hatch clockwise / counterclockwise because the gaps are getting uneven. I put the latch back centered and adjusted the rubber stops and she closes well now, just with a little force... To me since all the gaps are even left to right, the entire hatch needs to slide on the hinges to split the difference, but I'm not sure the hinge mounts are slotted.

[FLATOUT]

If it's binding move it back or split the difference. The front hinges are under the headliner and are a pain to adjust. Most of their adjustment is front to back on the gen IV's haven't looked at the Gen V yet.




That's what I initially thought, but you can follow the gaps all the way back down the deckled under the spoiler and the are all off left to right which makes me think it's the entire hatch.



I made a couple small adjustments there and made some improvement, but honestly it has gotten even harder to close. I have to completely slam it to get it to go through both stages of the latch. It seems that his is only cocking the hatch clockwise / counterclockwise because the gaps are getting uneven. I put the latch back centered and adjusted the rubber stops and she closes well now, just with a little force... To me since all the gaps are even left to right, the entire hatch needs to slide on the hinges to split the difference, but I'm not sure the hinge mounts are slotted.

[cayenne]

If it's binding move it back or split the difference. The front hinges are under the headliner and are a pain to adjust. Most of their adjustment is front to back on the gen IV's haven't looked at the Gen V yet.

Thanks Andy, I may have to just live with it... I'm like you though and instantly started cleaning up some gaps, but overall mine were very good. I'm a classic car guy so body line and gaps are noticeable to me. The problem is, as I'm sure you know, you can start driving yourself crazy getting gaps lined up. One adjustment requires three more!

I'm really happy with the Gen V fit and finish overall, but I the rear hatch is the only noticeable area of issue. The deck lid kicks up slightly on the drivers side where it meets the rear fender as well, not sure if it's the lid, or the drivers rear fender. I'm not going to chase that one though, seems like a can of worms.

[FLATOUT]

Thanks Andy, I may have to just live with it... I'm like you though and instantly started cleaning up some gaps, but overall mine were very good. I'm a classic car guy so body line and gaps are noticeable to me. The problem is, as I'm sure you know, you can start driving yourself crazy getting gaps lined up. One adjustment requires three more!

I'm really happy with the Gen V fit and finish overall, but I the rear hatch is the only noticeable area of issue. The deck lid kicks up slightly on the drivers side where it meets the rear fender as well, not sure if it's the lid, or the drivers rear fender. I'm not going to chase that one though, seems like a can of worms.

Im the same way lol. I went upstairs here at ViperExchange to really look at hoods the other day and how they align with the front of the doors and you can see a variance in the moldings themselves. not much but they are all just a little different. I remind myself that I am driving the last hand built car in America and that it comes with the territory :D

[lochnessmonster]

Hey Andy,

I've noticed the gap between the bottom of my hood on the left side behind the wheel is a bit larger than the one on the right side. It's been bugging me, but, like you, I've said to myself, "It's hand built", and inconsistencies like this give the car character. I've popped the hood and looked for an adjustment, but the only thing that stands out is the rubber bushing you can turn in and out. Is there anything else that will allow the hood to sit a bit lower? I just need it down about 1/8 inch or so.

[ViperSmith]

I'd fix it over winter when you have downtime :)

[lochnessmonster]

For my issue, I'll probably forget about it by winter lol. If nothing else, I'd be interested in how to adjust the panel gaps. That sounds like some good Viper knowledge right there......