Hey guys, I am in the process of replacing my hatch struts with new ones. And the problem I have before I start is that the top thread where the top of the strut mounts on the hatch is completely destroyed. I mean like there is a 1" hole there, and it wasn't a clean cut either, it looks like they just ripped it out of the hole (It was like this when I bought the car so I'm not sure what exactly happened). So, should I try to repair the hole (not exactly sure how I would go about this), or should I just drill a new hole below the old one? If I drilled a new hole would this affect the hatch sitting un-flush on the car? Thanks for your help!

 

Please post a pic. It sounds like the strut tower needs major repair. I would not drive the car like that. If the strut tower is damaged its only going to get worse.

 

You should find another hatch, cut that section out, and weld it into yours. It'd probably be easier to just replace the entire hatch. Who knows what these cars go thru during their lifetime.

 

or you could weld an m10 nut to a small square of sheet metal and weld it in place ...use the good side of the vehicle for measurements

 

He's talking about the hatch strut, not the suspension strut.

 

I did actually think about getting a new hatch, I found out after I bought the car that the hatch I have now isn't even the original one lol. I'll probably start scavenging some local junkyards to see if I can find one.

That was my first idea, I think I'm going to do this for now, since it's the easiest way to fix it. Would I need a TIG welder for this or could I use a MIG welder? (I don't have either, just wondering who I need to take it to).

Exactly

 

where are you located?