Trying to align the hatch, is it common to only need one shim?

[twinturbohow]

I removed an old fiberglass hatch (couldn't take the noise anymore) and replaced it with a nice 92/93 hatch. My fiberglass hatch was on for about 10 years and had no shims, so when I replaced it with the new hatch, I didn't use any - nor do I have any.

The passenger side fits great, but the driver side is very close to the body as you go down the rear quarter edge. I'm not familiar with the shims except from what I've read by using the search so I'm assuming I can just use some washer? I'm also assuming that the shims go under hinge at the body?

Thanks everyone,
Howard

[wraithracing]

I would say the vast majority of hatches that I have removed have had shims under both hinges. I don't recall any that didn't have at least one per side, but there might have been. Some have the same number of shims per side and some do not.

The shims have a rectangular shape and 4 tabs that bend over onto the hinges themselves to keep them attached to the hinges and prevent them from moving out of position when adjusting the hatch. Washers will most likely work, although I would try and get a washer as large in diameter as the hinges is in size if possible. Then cut the washer down to the overall width of the hinge to make it less visible. I personally would still most likely use one shim per side and an extra one on the driver side if needed to even out the gap or match that of the passenger side. Good Luck!

[dagenham]

If it's getting closer to the quarter panel as it comes down it sounds like you might need to adjust the bumper at the back of the hatch also.

Trey, are the big square hatch shims available yet from anybody?

[twinturbohow]

Thanks for the reply dagenham. I took a closer look today and it does not match up with the roof line so I will need to shim both sides. I don't know much about these shims but I would think a simple washer would work. If not, I could buy some aluminum bar stock and cut some squares and drill some center holes. Of course the easy way would be to buy some, but my parts store guy has nothing for me.

Thanks, Howard

[wraithracing]

Trey, are the big square hatch shims available yet from anybody?

Unfortunately not to my knowledge. A good used set from the JY or via a WTB are the only options I am aware of for the OEM shims.

[wraithracing]

A washer would most likely be just fine. My issue would be the aesthetics of it as well as wanting to make sure that the entire hinge area is fully supported. This is to make sure you don't cause damage to the Unibody or the hatch when using a washer. That is the reason I would most likely using something that is the full width and height of the hinge mount.

Aluminum flat stock, steel flat stock, or even sheet metal cut down will do the job. The issue is getting the thickness correct to get your body gaps even and straight once installed. Good Luck!

[wraithracing]

Here are some pictures of the hatch shims. You will notice there are two different types. One has the 4 small tabs that bend over the hinges to hold the shim pack in place. The other (4) shims do not have the 4 tabs and go between the other shims and the hinge for spacing. I don't remember there being different sizes or thicknesses. You just add more shims as needed. I personally don't recall seeing more than 3 shims total per side on most Foxes, but it could happen.
Hope that helps!

[twinturbohow]

Thanks a lot for the pics Trey!

[wraithracing]

No problem! Hope that helps.

[80fairmont]

And where can you get these shims. I'm trying to get mine lined up now and it needs to go up to even up with the roof.


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[84StangSVT]

I made mine. If you start here:
http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=1#post1822707 then go to Post 349, you will see the steps and measurements to make them. Depending on how much the hatch is off, the shim thickness may need to be adjusted accordingly. Most of the time they are off by mere thousandths.