The 'E' Type Forum

I am not happy with the alignment of the rear hatch on my S2 FHC.

It is sitting proud on the top right hand corner if I am standing behind the car and is just (and I really mean just) touches the edge of the body between the hinges when it’s opened. It removes the paint but not the undercoat it is that slight.

Just wondered if anyone has done any alignment work and has any sage advice to offer?

I have another pair of hands with me at the weekend in the form of eldest son home from uni so thought I would put him to good use!!

Cheers
Ash

I would suggest:

Open tailgate and remove the latch from the tailgate.

Ideally with tailgate now closed loosen the 4 bolts that attach the 2 hinges to the tailgate. An opportunity for son to help from the inside but I appreciate the hinge covers (if fitted) will be in the way. Alternatively, with tailgate open and son's fingers in the gap between the lhs edge of the tailgate and the bodywork loosen said bolts.

With the tailgate now in the closed position, maneuver the tailgate to be central in the aperture and in your case, more to the rhs than it currently is. Tighten the 4 hinge bolts. That should allow the tailgate to now open without kissing the paintwork.

Check the the top right hand corner isn't being held proud by the seal or something underneath it. Refit the latch to the tailgate and check it isn't forcing the tailgate over to the left excessively as you close the tailgate. Play with the latch adjustment to get the tailgate to close flush on the rhs.

There are more alignment options with shimming the hinges or if you can't get better alignment for the top right hand corner of your tailgate it may be that the tailgate is twisted and needs straightening which I suggest would need the glass removing and the skill of a professional panel-beater to sort out. The key indicator is can you get the tailgate to sit flush in the aperture with the hinge bolts loose, in which case I'd suggest the tailgate is straight and then its a question of more adjustment of the hinges.