Hi All, it’s been a year since I fixed my rear hatch on my 1986 944 Turbo. It is still holding up no issues. For those who may want a less fussy way to try and fix this problem here is my video on how I did the fix
Re: 944 delaminating rear hatch
Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2023 5:46 pm
by whalenlg
Thanks for posting!
My 2 cents for future readers based on fixing mine (also used WindoWeld) 2 years ago
Take the hatch off to do the repair- not difficult and much easier to work with
I removed the spoiler and put mine in "traction" with 5 cargo straps pulling the front and back together and left them in place (off the car) for about 2 weeks to try and reduce the chance that the elongated frame would work against the seal. I'm sure I borrowed this idea from someone else online!
I never close it with the struts connected - it would be great to find a different solution like folding, extendable or electrically actuated struts that don't keep a lot of static pressure on the frame when closed
Re: 944 delaminating rear hatch
Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2023 2:26 pm
by Darwin
whalenlg wrote: Tue Jan 03, 2023 5:46 pm
Thanks for posting!
My 2 cents for future readers based on fixing mine (also used WindoWeld) 2 years ago
Take the hatch off to do the repair- not difficult and much easier to work with
I removed the spoiler and put mine in "traction" with 5 cargo straps pulling the front and back together and left them in place (off the car) for about 2 weeks to try and reduce the chance that the elongated frame would work against the seal. I'm sure I borrowed this idea from someone else online!
I never close it with the struts connected - it would be great to find a different solution like folding, extendable or electrically actuated struts that don't keep a lot of static pressure on the frame when closed
I'm coming up on two years after my reseal with new struts and have no issues. I think if done correctly, the repair doesn't warrant the concern over the struts causing issue. It's just a real PITA to do, or expensive if you can find someone willing to do it.
Re: 944 delaminating rear hatch
Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2023 4:35 pm
by Zirconocene
There was a nice discussion over on RL about the issue, but the thing that I thought might garner the most interest was the adjustable pressure, physically locking struts that I found:
They're on my 968, which is not here right now but they do what they're supposed to (hold up the hatch) and can be set to exert very little force, otherwise. If you go too far on letting the pressure drop, you lose the assist on the way up, so that kind of stinks, but otherwise are a nice mechanical way to lock the struts.
Cheers
Re: 944 delaminating rear hatch
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 4:19 am
by rb83944
Good morning All from brisk 3 degree Southern New Hampshire,
New user to Carpokes here. Just browsing this morning and found this post. This has been bothering me on my 83 944 for 3 years. Finally a fix!
Thanks Mr India for video and all with comments.
RB83944
Re: 944 delaminating rear hatch
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 9:17 am
by blueline
rb83944 wrote: Sat Feb 25, 2023 4:19 am
Good morning All from brisk 3 degree Southern New Hampshire,
New user to Carpokes here. Just browsing this morning and found this post. This has been bothering me on my 83 944 for 3 years. Finally a fix!
Thanks Mr India for video and all with comments.
RB83944
Glad you found Carpokes and a fix. It is good when nagging problems get resolved. There are many here with great ideas and solid feedback - interaction, shared knowledge and new ideas are the backbone of the site, so enjoy!
By the way, welcome to Carpokes! If you wish, post an intro at the growing new member welcome thread:
Everyone also appreciates pictures and comments, so feel free to add yours to the mix. Oh yeah, 3° is chilly. Hope it warms up a bit for you!
Re: 944 delaminating rear hatch
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 9:29 am
by audi4t
rb83944 wrote: Sat Feb 25, 2023 4:19 am
Good morning All from brisk 3 degree Southern New Hampshire,
New user to Carpokes here. Just browsing this morning and found this post. This has been bothering me on my 83 944 for 3 years. Finally a fix!
Thanks Mr India for video and all with comments.
RB83944
Welcome to the group !!!
BTW we have a timeshare at Attitash - but in July
Spent many weekends skiing in NH
Re: 944 delaminating rear hatch
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2023 8:32 am
by 924slemans
I disconnected the struts....they put too much stress on the hatch, could help de laminate it....now just use a stick to prop it open.
Re: 944 delaminating rear hatch
Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2023 6:20 pm
by 944S2Bob
Great video! This has been a long term problem in search of a solution. Hats off to you!
Re: 944 delaminating rear hatch
Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2025 10:18 am
by spacecad3t
I recently added this strip of black vinyl wrap. Had the shop I get the car detailed at do it. I think it turned out nice. Will it hold? Time will tell.
