This panel has a strange shape and doesn't seem to fit over the strut tower and under the hatch support bracket at the same time. Anyone know how to get this thing in?

Removing the hatch strut AND the bracket will give you the clearance you desire. Warmth (the panel, not you...) and patience are key here. Most panels get cracked at this stage, take your time.

I'm assuming this is a panel you just took out and not a new one...

This panel has a strange shape and doesn't seem to fit over the strut tower and under the hatch support bracket at the same time. Anyone know how to get this thing in?

Remove the drivers side quarter window plastic trim panel, remove the tail light interior plastic finisher panel, prop open the hatch with a hold-open rod, wooden

broom handle, or whatever works, (be sure to cushion ends at glass and floor), and remove the 10mm nut which secures the hatch strut to the bracket welded

at the hatch opening. To remove this plastic trim panel, gently flex the trim panel under this bracket. To install the trim panel, start from the bottom, placing

the trim panel in position at the floor level and over the strut tower, and, again, gently flexing the top edge of the panel under the strut hold open bracket.

The hatch is heavy so be careful not to bump whatever you use to hold the hatch open. These plastic panels are usually very fragile from age and are easily

cracked unless your is a new reproduction panel.

This is my method, and others might have other methods.

FWIW

Dan

Thanks guys, I'm trying to install the panel, not remove it. It appears to me the hatch support strut bracket is welded to the car, and therefore cannot be removed. This would seem illogical. Why would Nissan design this is such a way that the strut and support bracket need to be removed in order to remove or install a simple panel? I appreciate the input though. Hopefully some more ideas will emerge.

The Bracket is welded to the car - but it is smaller than the part of the strut that attaches to it. So take it out. Secondly - 40 years ago, the plastic panels were new and could stand a lot of FLEX.. today that is no longer true. The advice above is correct.. with the understanding that you have every panel already out - and your starting to put them all back in..

FWIW,

Carl B.

FWIW,

Carl B.

No panels, carpet or spare tire in the back.