Follow-up on hatch won't open and a hatch lock tip

[timsz]

I got the hatch open from the inside. Now what can I do to fix the problem. Should I move the lock part on the hatch forward or backwards ? Or should I just play with it ? Also if you get a new lock or are restoring a 71Z, leave the hatch panel off until you have the hatch opening and closing properly. Thank you.

[Zed Head]

You should "follow up" in the original thread.  It's not clear what the first problem was.

[timsz]

The hatch wouldn't open. That's kind of a problem.

[Zed Head]

I would adjust it then so that it opens.

[cgsheen1]

Oh my...

You have a few different options when working on the hatch lock/latch mechanism. 

You don't have to close the hatch to test if it works or not. 

You don't have to leave the lock cylinder OR the latch OR the "hoop" on the body that the latch grabs when the hatch is closed.  (Just saying that you don't have to crawl back into the back again when you don't actually fix the problem.)

With the lock cylinder removed and the hatch closed, you can put your finger through the hole and press down the latch mechanism to open the hatch - as long as the latch mechanism works.

You can unbolt the latch mechanism from the bottom of the hatch and test it.  Get a phillips screwdriver, push it sideways into the "jaws" of the latch.  Does it grab the screwdriver?  Does it let go when you press down on the latch lever?  Clean and lube it while you have it out.

Make sure the lock cylinder is complete, has the "arm" and adjustment screw.  When it's in place, make sure it contacts the latch lever AND pushes it far enough to open the latch.  You can close (activate) the latch and use the button to open it while the hatch is open.  Just use something to move the jaws up and closed while the hatch is in the air.  Lastly, make sure that the "hoop" below is adjusted properly so the latch doesn't bind.  It has adjustment up and down and even a little side-to-side.  The latch itself can be adjusted so it (the jaws) can be properly "centered" on the hoop below.