Hatch Doesn't Latch Right

[Nathan123]

I just got done painting my BII. I put the hatch back on and it took awhile to get it closing nicely but I finally got it working. About 10-12 open/close cylces later, it wouldn't latch again. I mean I shut it and it sounded like it hit something solid. the latch was hitting the head of the striker bolt and the driver side of the hatch was hitting the taillight area. So I fooled around with it for another 3 hours to get it to close half decent again, and it worked. Keep in mind I made those four hinge bolts TIGHT. Now here I am, 10-12 open and closes later, and the drivers side won't latch. Why does this thing keep sliding around? Anyone know what's going on?

 

[b2rich]

I had a some-what same issue. i replaced the striker bushings and it closes fine now.
just throwing that our.

 

[voodoochylde]

You don't have a crack in the fiberglass of the hatch, do you? I had one and mine was difficult to close. I repaired the crack and played with the striker bolts and now she closes fine. I do take care to use both hands to shut the hatch to try and avoid another crack.

Just a thought...

 

[Nathan123]

Yeah there is the usual crack at the tire carrier bracket, but it just seems like it works great for a little, then slides out of adjustment. I guess I'll just try lining it up again...how did ford get these things on at the factory?