Rear clamshell adjustment

[jaxgt]

Tried searching and couldn't find a clear answer, so forgive me if it's been addressed before.

When I open my rear clamshell, it is rubbing against the rear fascia, in the corner above the taillight. It seems to be aligning well in the front, by the latches.

I'm not sure how best to adjust, as I don't want to lose any paint. Anyone have simple semi-idiot proof instructions or suggestions how to fix this. Seems that it just needs another 2mm and should be fine.

Thanks !

 

[Jim]

There are two (2) T-27 torx head screws that hold the rain trough and rear facia to the hinge "hoop" bar and if you loosen those and pull back, you move the top portion of the rear facia rearward - clamshell has to be open to do that. On the sides of the facia at the very corner where it comes to a point, there is a 10mm thru bolt that attaches the facia and the three (3) pencil braces all together. if you loosen that - you can spread the sides out a bit to get better clearance to the clamshell sides. You'll have to remove the rear black plastic apron cover (pretty easy to do) with the scrivits. Take your time and it will go OK.

 

[jaxgt]

Jim - not sure where the 10mm thru bolt and 3 pencil braces are. Any chance you could take a photo or two of the areas you mention?
Thanks.

 

[Jim]

It's the silver bolt in the corner. I'll attach a picture (or try to anyway)

 

[Jim]

panel removed so you can see the pencil braces. these 3 braces control the up/down/in/out position of the facia corner.

 

[fjpikul]

Jax, there are also some shims holding the rear fascia on the bolts. You may have to remove one shim to get the clearance you need. Not a hard thing to do, but easier with two people, one holding the fascia in place and the other working the wrenches and loosening and tightening. The shims look like large, flat washers.

 

[jaxgt]

Thanks all (and Shadowman on the phone) for the tips.

After ample blue-tape was applied, I first loosened the 2 Torx-screws, but still couldn't get the rear fascia to budge. I then loosened the 10mm bolt in the corner some, and was able to wiggle the fascia back 1-2 mm, which was just enough to get the clamshell to close properly.

 

[TifosiTed]

I have the same problem w/ rubbing on the facia when opening the clamshell. Only on one side. I will give this adjustment a try. Thanks to all for the tips in this post.:thumbsup

 

[GKW05GT]

Took GT to Caffeine and Exotics yesterday. My struts on the were cold or getting weak and clamshell slammed shut a couple times before I noticed a chip at rear and noticed that clamshell was rubbing rear fascia. Don't know if the slamming caused a realignment but will give this adjustment a try and replace the struts. Not sure how to handle the chip but it a character mark.

 

[Howard]

With a dab of touch-up paint no one will it's there but you.

Howard

 

[GKW05GT]

Worked like a charm but it seems the corner 10mm bolts do not tighten completely. Assume I have have to remove the rear black plastic apron cover to tighten completely. Need to keep an eye on it if I had earlier a problem would have been avoided. Thanks for the advise.

 

[fjpikul]

You are correct. Make sure the paint is actually chipped. I realize the cars old now, but originally when shipped, some had wax/rubbing compound left behind in this area and actually looked like paint chips from the clam rubbing. Run your fingernail over it to make sure.

 

[GKW05GT]

You are correct. Make sure the paint is actually chipped. I realize the cars old now, but originally when shipped, some had wax/rubbing compound left behind in this area and actually looked like paint chips from the clam rubbing. Run your fingernail over it to make sure.

Hey Dr. P thanks for confirmation on the apron I assume the tires need to come off to make the job easier. Unfortunately it is a chip but it could be worse it probably was rubbing for a while unnoticed and the cold weather may have been a factor. Another example of any problem is diagnosed immediately with a cure.

 

[Kayvan]

I have chip that size just back a few inches on tail

Most likely from rock chip cruising thru Malibu canyons....character, like mole on a supermodels butt!