Electric rear hatch release

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Electric rear hatch release

Postby 1100kaw » Tue Nov 27, 2012 9:44 pm

Did the early vega, or monza ever have electric rear hatch release? I have 72. Anybody know of something that works?
Darrell
72 Vega GT LS
69 Skylark Wagon BBC
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Re: Electric rear hatch release

Postby spencerforhire » Tue Nov 27, 2012 10:04 pm

I installed a release solenoid from a 2nd gen Firebird Trans Am on my 76 Vega GT; I know there's some differences in the rear tail light panel between a 72 and a 76, but the latch mechanism is similar. The solenoid is quite large, and required a notch in the aluminum cargo cover to clear it when it lifts up. The key still worked as well.
The "fleet"-
72 Vega HB Drag Car -383/'Glide/9"(9.35@146.19)(5.94@117.28 1/8th)
77 Vega Estate wagon- project(someday)will have TPI305/T-5, S-10 spindles/axles
76 Vega GT- 400/4spd/9" retired from active duty(rusty)
06 Silverado 2WD ex.cab daily
03 Silverado 2WD ex.cab (retired)
06 Haulin' 20ft enclosed car transporter
06 GMC Canyon Shop truck
07 Colorado project( 5.3 4L60e swap)
99 Saturn SL1- wife's car
01 Saturn SC2- son's project
07 Saturn Ion Redline project
and 4 more Saturn "parts cars"
Note- the very act of listing all of these has made me realize I have some kind of problem.....

Visit http://www.spencerforhire.ca
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Re: Electric rear hatch release

Postby cjbiagi » Tue Nov 27, 2012 10:17 pm

I do not believe any H body came with a electric release from the factory. I installed one on the rear hatch when I shaved all of my emblems. It has been a long, long time since I did that but I think I used a aftermarket solenoid with a cable attached and rigged it up to the latch mechanism. Wasn't any big deal as I recall.
Clyde.........75 Monza 2+2
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Re: Electric rear hatch release

Postby jon72vega » Wed Nov 28, 2012 11:37 am

I used a solenoid from a mid to late 80's Chevy Caprice or Pontiac Parisienne if I remember correctly. (CRS..... It's been many years since I installed it).
My key still works as well.
Here's a picture:
Image
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1972 Chevrolet Vega

Re: Electric rear hatch release

Postby jon72vega » Wed Nov 28, 2012 11:43 am

here's a link to an eBay auction for a solenoid that looks like mine, & should work for you:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CADILLAC-BUICK- ... 5c&vxp=mtr

Here's another with the wiring plug:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/82-83-84-85-86- ... 7b&vxp=mtr
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Re: Electric rear hatch release

Postby sportriderok » Wed Nov 28, 2012 5:07 pm

I have an aftermarket one I got from JC Whitney for another project that is going on mine. It's a big solenoid with a cable that attaches to the factory release rod. Requires a little fabrication for the cable but it looks very easy to install. I can post pictures of it later if you want.
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Re: Electric rear hatch release

Postby spencerforhire » Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:00 pm

Almost any GM trunk solenoid from the 70's and 80's should be able to be adapted. The 78-81 Firebird one I used bolted on with no modification other than slotting one of the mounting holes. It does however kind of stick out causing clearance issues with the cargo cover. An aftermarket one with a cable would require a little more fabrication work, but might be able to be hidden behind the latch brace.
The "fleet"-
72 Vega HB Drag Car -383/'Glide/9"(9.35@146.19)(5.94@117.28 1/8th)
77 Vega Estate wagon- project(someday)will have TPI305/T-5, S-10 spindles/axles
76 Vega GT- 400/4spd/9" retired from active duty(rusty)
06 Silverado 2WD ex.cab daily
03 Silverado 2WD ex.cab (retired)
06 Haulin' 20ft enclosed car transporter
06 GMC Canyon Shop truck
07 Colorado project( 5.3 4L60e swap)
99 Saturn SL1- wife's car
01 Saturn SC2- son's project
07 Saturn Ion Redline project
and 4 more Saturn "parts cars"
Note- the very act of listing all of these has made me realize I have some kind of problem.....

Visit http://www.spencerforhire.ca
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1972 Chevrolet Vega Hatchback

Re: Electric rear hatch release

Postby 1100kaw » Wed Nov 28, 2012 9:57 pm

Yea, the size thing seems to be the problem. (story of my life) I have one from an 80's gm and its huge like Jon's. I will have to search a little. The remote, Popper/cable type might be the ticket.
Pic if ya get a chance....
sportriderok???
Darrell
72 Vega GT LS
69 Skylark Wagon BBC
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Re: Electric rear hatch release

Postby sportriderok » Tue Jan 29, 2013 5:11 pm

Holy crap, Darrell, I just saw your pic request. I'll get some up this weekend. Sorry about that!
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