The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Has anyone put a Auto Hatch Release on a Clam Shell

AzDon · 02-23-2010, 11:25 AM

What I hope to be able to accomplish on my 68 is to make 3 inside c-hinges for the lift hatch, since my stock hinge pockets are broken. My plan is to have them double-jointed and pushed by a linear actuator mounted horizontally in the headliner, so that the top of the hatch will be pushed out a couple of inches before lift, so that it will clear the rain gutter.
It will have no upper latch... the linear actuator will hold it shut. I'll then be able to move the lower latch inside if i wish.
That lift hatch is a heavy MXFX and just the outboard weight fulcrum'd against the prop rods broke the spot welds in the hinge pockets.
The challenge is going to be figuring out a way to secure the original gate that is strong enough. I'd just buy a new lift hatch and do it stock if it was available. Anybody know of a reman source?

02-23-2010, 11:25 AM	#6
AzDon Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lake Havasu,AZ Posts: 202	Re: Has anyone put a Auto Hatch Release on a Clam Shell What I hope to be able to accomplish on my 68 is to make 3 inside c-hinges for the lift hatch, since my stock hinge pockets are broken. My plan is to have them double-jointed and pushed by a linear actuator mounted horizontally in the headliner, so that the top of the hatch will be pushed out a couple of inches before lift, so that it will clear the rain gutter. It will have no upper latch... the linear actuator will hold it shut. I'll then be able to move the lower latch inside if i wish. That lift hatch is a heavy MXFX and just the outboard weight fulcrum'd against the prop rods broke the spot welds in the hinge pockets. The challenge is going to be figuring out a way to secure the original gate that is strong enough. I'd just buy a new lift hatch and do it stock if it was available. Anybody know of a reman source? Last edited by AzDon; 02-23-2010 at 11:26 AM.