[Lscman]

I just inherited a '79 Mustang "garage queen" Turbo from my mommy & I'm trying to fix it up....... I was hoping to find some experts here who found a way to correct this issue.

My 1979 Mustang rear hatch sounds like morse code coming from a massive speaker fed by a 500W amp.

In case folks aren't aware, the rear hatch strikers were re-engineered at least 3 times during Fox production. I have the early one that looks like 1/4" steel rod formed into a hoop. It is NOT the more familiar single post unit that looks like a regular door striker. This early hoop unit was used on '78-'80 Fairmont Wagons too.

I'm hoping somebody found a way to adapt the later style striker to these early cars or found a way to stop the rattle. I have not had an opportunity to see how much sheetmetal was changed to accept the newer strikers and latches.

The rubber stoppers are properly adjusted and the latch feels nice and tight. I've readjusted the striker up and down and left and right with no good results. The striker is not worn on this low mile garage queen.

Thanks for any replies, thoughts, ideas or whatever.....

[meangreen92]

Originally Posted by Lscman

I have not had an opportunity to see how much sheetmetal was changed to accept the newer strikers and latches.

Probably/hopefully, not much. Do you know for sure exactly what, and where, the squeak is coming from? I guess the rubber seal for the hatch is supple, and not torn.
I've had an '82, '84, and '92, but never seen the hoop arrangement.
Try lubing the hinges, and the latch.