'86 Bronco II rear hatch latch.....

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Was hoping Hatch Latches were adjustable.
I've already adjusted the striker, doesn't seem to tighten up against the body.

The mechanism seems to work, when latched by hand.
Passenger side feels solid.

Guess I need a new striker.

Do the strikers have the plastic piece on them or is it a bare metal stud? I’ve had success replacing the broken/missing plastic bushing on the stud with a piece of 1/2” PEX plumbing pipe. Or just buy a new striker with the plastic. I’ve had to fix door strikers the same way. If the strikers do still have the plastic bushing, we’ll, I’m not sure what to suggest…

 

[mr_manny]

The drivers side striker did have some old electrical tape on it.
I need to take a closer look, and compare the passenger and drivers side.

Thanks for the PEX pipe tip

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

The drivers side striker did have some old electrical tape on it.
I need to take a closer look, and compare the passenger and drivers side.

Thanks for the PEX pipe tip

It’s not a perfect fit, but I just cut a length, slit it, work it on, then heat it with a heat gun or lighter and close the door/hatch and it will form to the latch. Alternatively, I’ve sanded the PEX down a little. It doesn’t take much, it’s only slightly oversized, the Rahau branded PEX is translucent with a thin red or blue outer color layer. That thin color layer was all that needed to be removed for a perfect fit. But heating the tubing and closing the door or hatch seems to work just fine.

 

[mr_manny]

Thanks for the tip...I do own a heat gun

I received delivery of my new to me 1990 5spd 4x4 yesterday...love it.
Once I figure out the latch, I'll get started on the leaky fuel tank.
Oh joy.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Thanks for the tip...I do own a heat gun

I received delivery of my new to me 1990 5spd 4x4 yesterday...love it.
Once I figure out the latch, I'll get started on the leaky fuel tank.
Oh joy.

Be prepared to fall in love, lol. I really like these little trucks and the 1990 would have the D-35 front axle so that’s a plus.

My 89 started leaking out of the fuel tank. I’m not a fan of steel tanks where I live because of rust, so I went with a plastic tank, but you may not need to worry about that. It really wasn’t a bad job to replace the tank.

 

[mr_manny]

I didn't find anything locally, so I tried a plastic end I removed from a garden T, and it worked

Will keep a lookout for a cleaner solution down the road.
Thanks again for the tubing tip.