Body General body information and techniques for restoration, repairs, and modifications.

Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-12-2024, 07:49 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
ramblingarage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Janesville, WI
Posts: 72
Received 56 Likes on 29 Posts
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

Bought some knock-off Hawks Hatch Hinges..

I don't have the Hawks to compare to, but the machining on the pieces seems decent, the hinges themselves are a bit loose, which may not be the worst thing as I could see some play between each side being necessary.

That being said.. I got two rights.. lol



Here's the link I used on Amazon:
Amazon Amazon

I requested a new set be sent.. I think most people fail to realize that they're directional, or side dependent, which is where folks run into issues with their back glass breaking, because each side's hinge folds at a slightly different angle.

New hinges should be here tomorrow.. I'll update with fit and finish once installed.
Old 06-12-2024, 08:30 PM
  #2  
Supreme Member

 
1989karr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 2,358
Received 165 Likes on 154 Posts
Car: 89' Firebird
Engine: 3.4L V-6
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: Whatever came stock!
Re: Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

These are scary... there was a while thread about someone whos hatch broke after installing the hawk hinges..... I do not recall if L / R was taken into consideration though
Old 06-12-2024, 08:54 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
ramblingarage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Janesville, WI
Posts: 72
Received 56 Likes on 29 Posts
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

Originally Posted by 1989karr
These are scary... there was a while thread about someone whos hatch broke after installing the hawk hinges..... I do not recall if L / R was taken into consideration though
I'd be willing to bet they were installed backwards or installed too tightly on the glass side.

You really only need to tighten finger tight and then another half turn with a wrench. Any more you risk shattering the glass.
The following users liked this post:
1989karr (06-13-2024)
Old 06-12-2024, 09:08 PM
  #4  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (8)
 
TTOP350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,766
Received 806 Likes on 534 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

The glass isn't perfectly flat and the aftermarket aluminum hinge is, that's why the factory used the material it did against the glass.
Old 06-12-2024, 09:11 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
ramblingarage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Janesville, WI
Posts: 72
Received 56 Likes on 29 Posts
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

Originally Posted by TTOP350
The glass isn't perfectly flat and the aftermarket aluminum hinge is, that's why the factory used the material it did against the glass.
They're not though, they're angled to match the slant of the glass.
Old 06-13-2024, 06:01 AM
  #6  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (8)
 
TTOP350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,766
Received 806 Likes on 534 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

Originally Posted by ramblingarage
They're not though, they're angled to match the slant of the glass.
You're misunderstanding what I'm saying.
The flat mounting surface of the hinges doesn't match the imperfect surface of the glass where they mount. (Even with the metal and pad between the glass and hinge) That also creates a stressed area in the glass. That's why the factory used a semi compliant upper hinge that's not the best in heat and pressure.
Yes, the hinge pivot area appears to have an angle. A hinge works best when the pivot areas are all in perfectly straight alignment. Technically the mounting pads are angled to fit the glass and body.

Last edited by TTOP350; 06-13-2024 at 03:55 PM.
Old 06-13-2024, 10:01 AM
  #7  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
ramblingarage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Janesville, WI
Posts: 72
Received 56 Likes on 29 Posts
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

Originally Posted by TTOP350
You're misunderstanding what I'm saying.
The flat mounting surface of the hinges doesn't match the imperfect surface of the glass where they mount. That also creates a stressed area in the glass. That's why the factory used a semi compliant upper hinge that's not the best in heat and pressure.
Yes, the hinge pivot area appears to have an angle. A hinge works best when the pivot areas are all in perfectly straight alignment. Technically the mounting pads are angled to fit the glass and body.
I get what you're saying, I still don't think the factory hinges molded to the window as well as they probably would like them to.

I think as long as someone installing doesn't over-torque, it should be a big non issue.
Old 06-13-2024, 12:21 PM
  #8  
Supreme Member

 
1989karr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 2,358
Received 165 Likes on 154 Posts
Car: 89' Firebird
Engine: 3.4L V-6
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: Whatever came stock!
Re: Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

Originally Posted by ramblingarage
I get what you're saying, I still don't think the factory hinges molded to the window as well as they probably would like them to.

I think as long as someone installing doesn't over-torque, it should be a big non issue.

Regardless, be sure to post progress updates / pics!
Old 06-13-2024, 12:46 PM
  #9  
Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Airwolfe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Franklin, KY near Beech Bend Raceway, Corvette Plant and Museum.
Posts: 295
Received 129 Likes on 102 Posts
Car: 1992 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 5.0L L03 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

Is there something actually wrong with the factory hatch hinges on your GTA?

I know you like to buy things and install them on your cars for YouTube content for your channel.

If there is nothing wrong with them I highly recommend you leave well enough alone before you end up regretting fooling with them as you are vacuuming up a million pieces of your hatch glass.

You can buy new front windshields and side windows. You can't buy a new hatch glass.
The following users liked this post:
1989karr (06-14-2024)
Old 06-14-2024, 07:38 PM
  #10  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
ramblingarage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Janesville, WI
Posts: 72
Received 56 Likes on 29 Posts
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges

Originally Posted by Airwolfe
Is there something actually wrong with the factory hatch hinges on your GTA?

I know you like to buy things and install them on your cars for YouTube content for your channel.

If there is nothing wrong with them I highly recommend you leave well enough alone before you end up regretting fooling with them as you are vacuuming up a million pieces of your hatch glass.

You can buy new front windshields and side windows. You can't buy a new hatch glass.
I believe my passenger side is bent, not the easiest to tell without removing it, but the driver's side of my hatch is rubbing against the body.

I tried to re-align, but I wasn't able to get it to adjust.

I really don't think there should be any issues unless they are over-torqued on the glass side, or the sides are reversed and they bind, taking out the weak spot - the glass.

If it does break, which wouldn't be ideal, I have a good source for back glass so I'm not too concerned.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Skulltrail
Body
134
04-20-2022 01:35 PM
danderson
Body
10
06-14-2021 11:39 AM
danderson
Body
0
06-08-2021 11:49 AM
Maverick H1L
Body
35
04-09-2013 11:33 AM



Quick Reply: Hawks Knock-Off Hatch Hinges



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:36 PM.