'82 CE rear hatch into an '80.

[vetski179]

I have an '80 Vette. I also have a 1982 CE hatch assembly from a wrecked CE. It's more than just the hatch. It's the entire frame that the hatch pivots from, so it includes the hinges, gas struts, etc. I'm thinking about getting started, and was wondering if anyone has done this type of installation and could give me any tips. My body man was asking if there might be any engineering drawings from the original blue prints that the company used to convert a regular '82 into a CE. Thank you.

 

[bill81vette]

You might want to do a search thru the old threads.
I think this has been tried b/4.
I do believe that the gas shocks that hold it up are no longer available

good luck...

 

[82ColEd]

Never thought i'd write this :

Buy yourself the Factory Assembly Manual, it shows all the locations, drawings and all..

For instance from big Bay: eBay Motors: 1982 82 Corvette Factory Assembly Shop Manual C3-NEW (item 140293897198 end time Jan-16-09 12:47:50 PST)

Also, here is a search for you for '82 hatch' in the C3 section.. Corvette Action Center - Search Results

Let us know how you make out.


-Stefan

 

[6880 Mike]

...Buy yourself the Factory Assembly Manual, it shows all the locations, drawings and all...

I agree. In fact, purchase both AIMs, the 82 for the hatch installation, and the 80 to show the differences between the two model years. Compare the two and you'll get a good of idea of what will be involved with the swap.

 

[vmaquera]

I have an '80 Vette. I also have a 1982 CE hatch assembly from a wrecked CE. It's more than just the hatch. It's the entire frame that the hatch pivots from, so it includes the hinges, gas struts, etc. I'm thinking about getting started, and was wondering if anyone has done this type of installation and could give me any tips. My body man was asking if there might be any engineering drawings from the original blue prints that the company used to convert a regular '82 into a CE. Thank you.

Please keep us updated with your progress, and take photos if you can.

I would like to do this to my '81 if I get the opportunity.

Vic

 

[vetski179]

I'll get some pix of the car and hatch as it sits now as soon as I can. I've cleared out a bunch of space in my garage so I can get started. I hope the body man can get over here and look at everything soon. I don't want to start the disassembly before he gets a chance to take a look.

 

[vetski179]

Pix

Here some pix...

 

[82ColEd]

Although i am cringing looking at the pics (Boy someone went cutting with the flex there. :ugh), i think you might be missing the bottom rear end. Or do you have the receiving 'latches' where the pins of the glass go ? Also, do you have the cabling and pull handle that attaches to the side pillar behind the drivers seat? To pull the latches open and unlock the pins from the glass.. The rest looks more then complete..


-Stefan

 

[texvette82]

Hope it happens

HI,
well i have an 82 C.E. that i purchased after figuring out ( and being told a number of times) that a conversion was not worth the time or money. ( I actually bought a spare hatch off a guy who got halfway through and gave up on the idea).
I decided it would be easier to buy a Collecton Edition and change it the way I want it - sorry to the purists out there.

 

[vetski179]

More Pix

Here's some pix of the inside of the hatch with all the ancillary stuff. It looks like everything is there including the receivers that the latch posts drop into as well as the hatch release cable, handle, and bracket that goes behind the drivers seat.

 

[82ColEd]

Wow..

Looks like the cutter was thorough.. Looks like all the cabling is there and the hatch release too. Neat, thats gotten to be a rare item as it frequently breaks (the handle itself).

Only other item i dont see, but mayb you have that, is the rear cover. It's black and covers the cabling from one side to the other. It's a one piece. I tried finding it on one of the parts sellers but havent had any luck.

Can i grab the pics from you for documentation to my photobucket site? I dont think i have under the latch pics seen anywhere yet.


-Stefan

 

[vetski179]

Yeah, you can use the pix. Now that I cleared out room, the hatch is easily accessible. I can take more pix if there's something you want to see. That plastic piece you mention is something I don't have. A quick look at my '80 looks like I may be able to mod the stock interior trim pieces to work with the hatch, save for that big plastic piece. There's a Vette swap meet this weekend in Puyallup, WA. Maybe I'll drop in and see what I can find.

 

[vetski179]

Oh, something cool happened. Off topic to a degree. If you happen to pick up the March 2009 Hot Rod, my other car, a Nova, is in the Reader's Rides section. It is celebrating my 31st anniversary of ownership.

 

[IWAVE2]

Hey Vetski79, you will love the hatchback window once you have installed it! It makes stowing the T-tops so much quicker and easier and packing the Vette for a trip will be a breeze. I have installed these windows in a couple of Vettes including mine and it is well worth it. It is not that difficult either. It requires minimal modification, but a lot of patience. Fortunately you have everything their to do it with except for the package tray (interior surround trim from any '82 Vette). If you have any questions or need any help, let me know, I'll be glad to answer any questions you have. I am attaching a photo of my Vette with the hatchback window installed. Good luck and have fun.

Jon
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19050&stc=1&d=1235274315

 

[vetski179]

Nice!

Nice work! I sent you a PM>

 

[jordan126]

C.E. HATCH IN A 80

Nice work! I sent you a PM>

i have a 80 that i am putting in a 82 c.e. hatch,on my profile i put a pic of all the hatch parts that i got from the 82 c.e. i got it from,i will be installing it next month ,i have a extra pair of hinges if you are interested

 

[texvette82]

Hi Jordan,
thanks for the offer but i had 2 sets of new hinges made for my own collector
and for my project vette.
I buy hatches when available and only sell when i need to reinvest into
my own vette.I have just sold one complete with hinges brackets & struts,
but this will be sold as glass only.
Good luck with your conversion.
regards,
kevin

 

[jordan126]

82 C.E. HATCH

Hi Jordan,
thanks for the offer but i had 2 sets of new hinges made for my own collector
and for my project vette.
I buy hatches when available and only sell when i need to reinvest into
my own vette.I have just sold one complete with hinges brackets & struts,
but this will be sold as glass only.
Good luck with your conversion.
regards,
kevin

i am putting in the billet hinges and new struts-i will be selling the original hinges,i got an amazing price on my 82 hatch with all parts,i paid $500,guy i bought it from was in michigan,he said someone is coming from nj to pick up a frame for a 69 vett,they have a enclosed race car trailer,they did me a favor and brought it back to nj for me,how much did you sell the hatch for?i located just the glass in NC ,i will pick it up during the summer so i can have another hatch, to put with all my extra parts

 

[4everVette]

82CE Rear Window latch pins

Hi,
great work!!
I'm new to this site, i have an 82 collector, and I'm missing the driver side rear window latch pin that's fix into the window and hold the struts. anybody that selling it or where i can find it or make it that would be great help. i had the car for a long time and I'm starting to work on it. I'm going to gave it a new paint soon. Thanks