TWIN LIFT-OFF PANEL LATCH ASSEMBLY INFORMATION

To revise the latching of the twin lift-off panel assemblies, a new latch assembly has been released for servicing the 1982 and 1983 Firebirds.

To install new latch assemblies to existing lift-off panels follow procedure outlined below and shown on attached figures.

Remove

1. Lift-off panel from car and place on a clean protective surface

2. Latch assembly

3. Body side front and rear striker assemblies

4. Body side front and rear striker supports

Install

1. New front and rear striker supports using existing mounting plates and nuts as shown in Figure 1.

2. Front and rear plastic latch strikers to supports loosely using high low screw (Figure 1).

3. Latch assembly adjusting plate(s) to lift-off glass panel support (Figure 2) with extruded portion of plate(s) inserted into glass support slot. Bottom edge of plate(s) must be against flange(s) of glass support before drilling two (2) 1/8 inch holes through plastic support(s) using plate as guide. Attach plates to support using high low screw.

4. Lift-off panel assembly to body for proper adjustment and tighten front and rear plastic striker screws.

5. With lift-off panel removed, position front and rear opening garnish moldings to body. Using upper garnish molding attached hole(s) as guide, drill 1/8 inch hole through plastic latch strikers. Install garnish moldings using high low screw at the upper attachment locations and existing screw(s) at lower locations. For proper adjustments see Figure 3.

The following complete latch conversion kits (less glass) 20496893 (right) and/or 20496894 (left) are available through WDDGM.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.