Sw8

Hi,

This seems like it should be a simple task but after spending more time than I'd care to admit I can't figure out how to remove this part. Here's the situation:

Need to remove the rear hatch on my '88 Integra but can't determine how to take off the top molding (items 18/19 part no. 74805-SD2-010) that must be removed first. Here is a diagram of the rear hatchback (http://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/b...ar-window.html) (n.b., the '89 model diagram is presented because for some reason the link to the '88 hatchback will not work; the part numbers are the same for both years). The key appears to be how to release the clips (item 27 on diagram; Part no 90678-SD2-013) so that the molding can be removed. Unfortunately, the diagram doesn't offer a zoom feature so I can't see how the release is triggered.

Does anyone know how these clips can be made to release from the body molding? Given that the ends of the body molding slide up/down onto trim part 16 my guess is that the top molding is removed by depressing a tab on the clips and pulling the molding toward the front of the car. Alternatively, maybe the spacers ( item 23 part 74811-SD2-000 SPACER, RR. (UPPER)) are somehow involved.

Thanks in advance.

Lynxs1981

I'm confused. Are you trying to remove the hatch or the glass itself?

This link shows a diagram for the 88 hatch. Hatch

Sw8

Trying to remove the hatch. There is some rust on the body of the car near a hinge that holds the hatchback. If the rust is not removed eventually water will leak into the car/headliner.

Your diagram doesn't show the body molding parts that must be removed.

Lynxs1981

To my understanding; you're trying to remove the trim around the outside of the window? This should not have to be removed if you're trying to remove the hatch. You can unbolt it where it attaches to the car.

joe_kewl81

should be a few bolts on top under the hatch and the pistons....

Sw8

Hi, Lynxs1981, and thanks for your response.

Each of the two hinges has two bolts that attach it to the body and two to the hatchback. The bolts on the hatchback can be removed w/o removing the molding but it appears as though it would be very difficult to put the bolts back in when reinstalling the hatchback because of their position/location. The other two are easily accessible once the body molding is removed.

joe_kewl81

sounds like you're on the right track then....i guess the best thing to do is see how easy it is to find a replacement part if you break it

Sw8

SOLUTION

The solution is not to attempt to remove the body molding. First, remove the strip that attaches the head liner to the back of the car's body. Next, reach underneath the headliner and remove the 10mm nuts that secures the hinge to the car.