Tech Tip: Hatch Latch Fever

As  our beloved cars approach 30 years of age, it's easy to understand that the interior gets a little noisy.  I've owned three first gens, and they've all had their share of squeaks and creaks.  However, they all shared one particularly annoying noise coming from the back of the car.  It was the hatch latch.  From what I hear, this is a common issue with these cars.  In fact, 9 times out of 10, noises coming from the rear cargo area can be contributed to the hatch latch issue.  Over the years, the latch mechanism loses it's clamping power and as it loosens over time, it begins to clatter on the hatch hook/loop.  Thankfully there's an easy solution to this issue... Electrical tape.

Yep, you read correctly... Electrical tape.  It's simple.  First, clean the hatch hook/loop off with some de-greaser and then some alcohol to ensure that the tape will stick.  Then cut a 5in section of tape (if the strip of tape is any longer it will make it difficult for the latch to catch the hook/loop, causing the hatch not to close properly) and wrap the very bottom of the hatch hook/loop.

As you are wrapping the tape around the hook/loop, keep constant tension on the tape by pulling slightly so the tape forms a solid, thick band.  That's it.  It's a simple and extremely cheap way to take care of your hatch latch fever!