Wagon tailgate adjustment help

Check with Jack...Longroof79 I know he just went through that with his wagon.

Very nice wagon. Welcome aboard!

This is a common problem with these wagons. There's no real tailgate adjustment per se, except maybe the tailgate latch.
Also check the U-shaped catch behind the hatch handle. They tend to wear a groove in them which causes a loose closing.
How's your rubber seals and bumpers? These are a few things I can think of at the moment. If anything comes to mind, I will pipe up again.

Thanks Paul!

You'll notice small rubber blocks on each upper end of the tailgate...second thought, that wouldn't affect the rattling hatch window that much.
I would look at the latch first. If it seems too loose, perhaps you could use a piece of plastic or rubber tubing, slit it open and cover the U-shaped catch with it. Just a suggestion.

I know that squeak/rattle could be annoying.

5door79 said:

Thanks. So the physical movement of the hatch itself isnt adjustable?

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There is a slight bit of adjustment in the latch, but it's more or less to line up the catch with the latch...if that makes any sense.
As for the U-shaped catch/ latch whatever...like I mentioned earlier, they do tend to wear a groove in it where they make constant contact over the years. That does in effect create more play in hatch closing.
If that's the case, the latch could be removed and welded and ground smooth...or Like I said, you could try a piece thin wall plastic tubing or rubber hose.

How's the condition of the weatherstrip/ seal? I know they do become compressed over time, unless they've been replaced.

Wrap the u shape catch on the glass with electrical tape several times and go for a ride if that fix's it then remove the tape and find a more permeant solution. On my car with tight seals it still rattled, I did the tape test and it stopped the noise so I then got a can of black plasti-dip and coated the u shape latch problem solved!

87 GN said:

Wrap the u shape catch on the glass with electrical tape several times and go for a ride if that fix's it then remove the tape and find a more permeant solution. On my car with tight seals it still rattled, I did the tape test and it stopped the noise so I then got a can of black plasti-dip and coated the u shape latch problem solved!

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Good tip, Ed. Won't the Plasti-Dip wear away? It sounds like a good idea if it will stay on.

Well I had my wagon together for about 8 months before I hurt the motor and ripped it apart for the restoration it held up for that 8 months not sure how long term it will last but its cheap and easy to reapply