Rear hatch problems

[nicksmith]

I am having a couple of issues with the rear hatch.

I had to fix the locking mechanism which required me to remove the inside panel, which is made of naugahyde stapled to hardboard. Now, that panel keeps coming off. Basically, the hardboard has become worn where the plastic plugs that attach it to the metal of the door are affixed. Maybe I can just use some kind of glue or caulking to keep them in place.

Also, the red plastic plate on the outside of the door has come loose. It hangs off of the door on both sides. When I look underneath, it appears that there is some kind of metal strap that should hold it to the door, but I can no longer get it to fasten. Also, there is a seal around the red plastic plate that has come away. I took this to a body shop about 7-8 months ago. They did their best, but said "no guarantees." At the time, they suggested going back to Japanoid. I am on the Sunshine Coast, so this is difficult and expensive.

Any ideas?

[FalcoColumbarius]

Hey Nick,

We haven't located actual L300 shop manuals for body/interior but much of the L400 shop manual can be referenced for the L300 insofar as removal of panels, &c., many latches and other devices could be similar, as well. Check out the "FAQ & Technical Reference Libraries" in Delica Canada Technical ~ see how that helps...

Falco.

[yojimbo]

I use wood glue and a clamp to remake the hardboard and make it solid, and you should use the correct tool for removal, then it wont load the board, just the clip, when you pull it off.

[nicksmith]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out the manuals. I didn't know that they were there.

What is the correct tool for removal?

[yojimbo]

it looks like a forked flat head screwdriver

[jwfchase]

[FalcoColumbarius]

That's a tool I should get. Plastic sticks are limited in this application, to be sure!

Falco.

[shealy]

I have that tool in my kit in the back of my van. It's come in handy countless times! Probably the quickest and easiest way to take off a panel without breaking anything.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Well not just only for door panels but also for the clear acrylic cover that attaches to my shroud on the bambi bars to protect my fogs. There are four plastic rivets that are tricky to get to, as they are inside the assembly and I end up spending forty-five minutes getting them off. It's a tool that I have been meaning to purchase for the last couple of years but I forget until I decide to clean my shroud and then I remember but now everything is in pieces so I have to finish the job before I go to get the tool; once I've finished the job I have other things to do so I'll get it later, when of course I forget and then I repeat the whole process. Perhaps I'll tattoo it onto my forehead so the next time I happen to be in Lordco they will see it and suggest to me to buy the @#$% tool...

Falco.