Canada WTB 69-72 Blazer Rear Hatch

[NorthernMatthew]

Looking for a rear hatch that has good working mechanical hardware. Would be great if I could source from western Canada but I will look at all options.

[robs71k5]

Do you have anything to work with at all . For instance a hatch that appears unrepairable ?

[NorthernMatthew]

Yes I have a hatch that is in rough shape generally. A prior fix on the fibreglass was botched and we have rusted and seized mechanicals. Do you have any ideas?

[robs71k5]

I have the knowledge on doing repairs but I'm in Vancouver. I don't really need to take on another overhaul as
I have half a dozen hatches waiting for me or someone to get after them to complete them. Trouble is interest level is low and too much other work going on .would easily spend a couple hours to demonstrate how to go about the repairs if there wasn't a bunch of mountains in between us . These hardtops seem to be disinagrating quite rapidly and I just can't keep the pace any more. But it does hurt to see it. Repairing them is tedious but with a couple lesssons you would quickly learn best result without having to separate the parts as others have been doing . Not that they are not doing it properly. It's just not required to get results that reflect quality repairs .

[NorthernMatthew]

I appreciate your input and it would be great to at least chat a bit. I'll PM you.

[NorthernMatthew]

couldn't leave a PM, cell# is 780 236-0377 Rob - send a text when you can chat and I'll call you.

[NorthernMatthew]

Furthermore we have a close friend who lives up on Capitol Hill who we plan to visit this summer, maybe we can get together then as well.

[NorthernMatthew]

This is a picture of one of the sides of the hatch. As you can see the fiberglass is in bad shape and the latch is completely rusted out. The hatch itself has been outside so long, it's disintegrating. So I need a different hatch in decent shape with good side latches. If anyone can suggest any solutions I'd appreciate that greatly.

[NorthernMatthew]

ttt

[Blazerowner]

Is the hatch SMC like the top or regular fiberglass? Couldn’t you just strip it apart, sand it all down and reskin or rebuilt it with new resin? I’ve seen people repair some pretty bad hatches in the past. You just need a little skill in fiberglass work.

[rayray767]

Rob 71k5
You should make a YouTube video on this that would be awesome

[NorthernMatthew]

Originally Posted by Blazerowner

Is the hatch SMC like the top or regular fiberglass? Couldn’t you just strip it apart, sand it all down and reskin or rebuilt it with new resin? I’ve seen people repair some pretty bad hatches in the past. You just need a little skill in fiberglass work.

The hatch is OEM and I may just need to try and repair it myself. The first step will be seeing what of the metal parts are salvageable then go from there. Meanwhile I'm keeping my eyes out for a good condition hatch at a reasonable price. I've heard all sorts of things one being that nothing really sticks the the SMC material. Who out there has any experience repairing these, any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[briank]

Purchase some mat and smc resin and go to town. Harry listed some nice catches...get those too.

[jamie72]

wish you were closer i have a decent hatch, but can`t really ship

[NorthernMatthew]

Originally Posted by robs71k5

I have the knowledge on doing repairs but I'm in Vancouver. I don't really need to take on another overhaul as
I have half a dozen hatches waiting for me or someone to get after them to complete them. Trouble is interest level is low and too much other work going on .would easily spend a couple hours to demonstrate how to go about the repairs if there wasn't a bunch of mountains in between us . These hardtops seem to be disinagrating quite rapidly and I just can't keep the pace any more. But it does hurt to see it. Repairing them is tedious but with a couple lesssons you would quickly learn best result without having to separate the parts as others have been doing . Not that they are not doing it properly. It's just not required to get results that reflect quality repairs .

Any chance one of your customers would be willing to part with a hatch?

[NorthernMatthew]

Originally Posted by jamie72

wish you were closer i have a decent hatch, but can`t really ship

Thank you, can you send some pictures?

[NorthernMatthew]

Originally Posted by briank

Purchase some mat and smc resin and go to town. Harry listed some nice catches...get those too.

Thanks Brian, did you see the picture I uploaded and do you think that's fixable with the right amount of TLC?

[NorthernMatthew]

Originally Posted by robs71k5

I have the knowledge on doing repairs but I'm in Vancouver. I don't really need to take on another overhaul as
I have half a dozen hatches waiting for me or someone to get after them to complete them. Trouble is interest level is low and too much other work going on .would easily spend a couple hours to demonstrate how to go about the repairs if there wasn't a bunch of mountains in between us . These hardtops seem to be disinagrating quite rapidly and I just can't keep the pace any more. But it does hurt to see it. Repairing them is tedious but with a couple lesssons you would quickly learn best result without having to separate the parts as others have been doing . Not that they are not doing it properly. It's just not required to get results that reflect quality repairs .

My family and I are going to be visiting friends near you July long weekend. Will be staying in Burnaby so maybe we can have a visit so I could learn a thing or two from you before I try to fix the hatch I have?

[NorthernMatthew]

Originally Posted by briank

Purchase some mat and smc resin and go to town. Harry listed some nice catches...get those too.

Good tips, appreciated.

[robs71k5]

Wow .i live in Burnaby if your timing is right. I could give you some pointers on how to get started and possible finish your project with a degree of confidence . I can be reached at 604-999-9574 . I will be away for two weeks in July and again for two weeks in August. Not much help . I know but if you want to call l may be able to give you some pointers Regards Rob

[NorthernMatthew]

Rob thanks a bunch, will you be around July long weekend?