Removing the rear hatch cover

[Vibedad]

I am the lucky owner of a new mid-gate spoiler and want to install it. I have searched the posts but cannot find clear instructions for removing the rear hatch interior to install the spoiler. Is a special tool needed? If not, how do I do it?

[ColonelPanic]

I don't have the answer, but I sure could have used the instructions last year when I ended up dropping a light bulb down into the hatch when I was changing the license plate lights out. I think it just pops off, although I tried getting putty knives/etc underneath and trying to pry outward but it never broke loose.

[ZubenElGenubi]

Found this old post, but don't know if it will help much (no pics either):http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=149

[scherry2]

I cracked mine 2 years ago and if I remember it basicly only held on with clips around the edge so you can pull on the edges gently and it will pull loose around the edges. there is a center cover that you should be able to pop off with a small screw driver (be careful not to scratch the plastic.) I think there are 2 nuts under the little plastic cover in the center. hope this helps.

[Mr. Poopypants]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »I think there are 2 nuts.....HEHEHEHEHE

[ZubenElGenubi]

Quote, originally posted by Mr. Poopypants »HEHEHEHEHE...and at least one nut in this post...

[Mr. Poopypants]

Quote, originally posted by ZubenElGenubi »...and at least one nut in this post...Only one because drunken isn't online right now.

[drunkenmaxx]

god, you guys are so immature!such debauchery i tell you...

[damronjr]

I'll tell you how I took mine off:1) clips around edges just pop off, pry a screw driver or whatever in near a clip and pop one out, once one is out you can pull the others by hand just like a door panel (you might want to use to screw driver or something JIC so you don't break any of them)2) once all of them are out around the lower part and sides of the hatch I pull the hatch down near closed, pop the window open and then just pull the whole thing up and out at the base of the window (theres a connection there for the defroster)It's a lot easier than it sounds.

[Baltovibe]

Quote, originally posted by Vibedad »I have searched the posts but cannot find clear instructions for removing the rear hatch interior to install the spoilerI recommend anyone wanting to find out anything about the parts of their Vibes to download the [free] versions of the service manual at http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1156Attached is the service page on how to remove the back door trim, from the above mentioned service manual.

Attached files w040001.pdf (46.6 KB) 

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by damronjr »2) once all of them are out around the lower part and sides of the hatch I pull the hatch down near closed, pop the window open and then just pull the whole thing up and out at the base of the window (theres a connection there for the defroster)It's a lot easier than it sounds.I stand corrected thank you, its been a while I knew it was easy.

[Vibedad]

Thanks all! If the weather stays as great as it has and my son's hockey does not interfere too much, I will attempt the install on the weekend!Will advise and thanks again for all the advice!

[Vibedad]

Thanks to all who offered advice!The install went off without a hitch and I was able to install the spoiler WITHOUT drilling any of the interior access holes shown in the instructions! With a pair of small hands (my eleven year old son's) and one of those 's' shaped screwdrivers, I was able to reach the 4 mounting screws and tighten them down correctly. Both lower nuts I could reach inside the panel with a regular closed end wrench! The only warning I have is that the rear wiper motor wiring goes through the rear hatch on the driver's side. When drilling through the mounting holes, you need to move the wire harness over or you will drill through it! (It is not mentioned in the instructions, and after the install, my rear wiper would intermittently come on. I had nicked a wire in the harness and when I hit a bump, it would ground out and complete the circuit!)Great addition to the Vibe though - the rear mid-gate spoiler sets it off nice!

[scherry2]

Cool! lets see pics!! I just mounted my top spoiler saturday.