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Need some help with hatch

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by sophie999, Jun 2, 2011.

  1. sophie999

    sophie999 Junior Member

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    I need a little help. For a project I started, I need to remove the plastic cover from the inside of the hatch.

    I think many people here did that to install a rear view camera. Does anyone have pictures, simple instructions set, or a reference to a repair manual that would clearly explain how to do that.

    I am not a particularly handy person, so every detail counts.

    Thanks in advance,

    Sophie
     
    #1 sophie999, Jun 2, 2011
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    #2 spiderman, Jun 2, 2011
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  3. sipnfuel

    sipnfuel New Member

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    The plastic cover is held with plastic snap-in bolts.

    There are two small slits on the plastic shroud on the sides of the hatch

    Take a rather large slotted screwdriver and tape it with masking tape or blue painters tape to prevent scratching the metal. Wedge it in deep into the slit and pry it until you hear a snap.

    Then it will take relatively large amount of force to release all the snaps. Take a towel and wrap that around your fingers and try to wedge your fingers in the gap that develops. Then slowly apply force all the way around to separate the cover from the hatch.

    You want to snap off each snap one by one. You should get a feel for how much force you need for each snap. The cover is fairly strong, but you don't want to bend it.
     
    #3 sipnfuel, Jun 2, 2011
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  4. phoenixgreg

    phoenixgreg Senior member

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    You might notice an "aqua" snap bolt along with the white ones. I found the aqua one more brittle and it broke upon removing. Once you have the main or lower cover piece off, the second section removes very easily.

    Also, as long as you are in there, you will notice there's nothing behind the lower part of the license plate area. I wish I had drilled the lower license plate holes thru the body and put secure license bolts and nuts to prevent the plate from rattling.
     
    #4 phoenixgreg, Jun 2, 2011
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  5. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    While your in there, you might also consider using Peel & Seal / Quick Roof roofing material or other sound deadening material and cover the areas behind the panel. I did this to mine and it nearly eliminated all the the rattles I had coming from the hatch area.
     
    #5 spiderman, Jun 2, 2011
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  6. EthanC

    EthanC Junior Member

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    Is the roofing material durable? Will it peel off after couple of years?
     
    #6 EthanC, Jun 2, 2011
  7. sophie999

    sophie999 Junior Member

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    Thanks you all for the help!

    One other question. I installed (with a lot of help) license plate mounted rearview camera with ultrasonic sensors. One of the sensors constantly goes off, apparently picking up part of the bumper. Other users of the product suggest offsetting the device further back half an inch or so.

    I was wandering if there is a thick rubber gasket available to place between the plate and metal hatch. I suppose I can cut one out of the rubber mat, but if there is already something like that available...

    Thanks.

    Sophie
     
    #7 sophie999, Jun 2, 2011
  8. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    It sure seems like it to me. I made a mistake and had to peel some up and it was a bugger to pull up. In fact I had to use rubbing alcohol to clean up. Also, the stuff if behind the plastic panel so it has no place to go if it does come up.
     
    #8 spiderman, Jun 2, 2011
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