1982 hatch on a 1981 from factory?

[Marvin B.]

I'm looking at a 1981 with a hatch that the dealer is advertising may be a factory install. This car's production number falls between March and April in St. Louis. Is it a possibility that the factory would have installed something from a 1982 on a 1981, considering the move to Bowling Green in June '81?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1982 hatch on a 1981 from factory?

I'm looking at a 1981 with a hatch that the dealer is advertising may be a factory install. This car's production number falls between March and April in St. Louis. Is it a possibility that the factory would have installed something from a 1982 on a 1981, considering the move to Bowling Green in June '81?

Marvin------


I would highly doubt this. More likely: a 1981 that's had a 1982 Collector's Edition rear clip "grafted" onto it. Only 1982 Collector's Editions had the opening rear hatch.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1982 hatch on a 1981 from factory?

I'm looking at a 1981 with a hatch that the dealer is advertising may be a factory install. This car's production number falls between March and April in St. Louis. Is it a possibility that the factory would have installed something from a 1982 on a 1981, considering the move to Bowling Green in June '81?

Yes, highly unlikely but a configuration worthy of speculation. Not a surprise is a dealer's claim that it may be a factory install.

The GM Heritage Media Center would have a copy of the original dealer invoice that would list the options. Look at options and dealer of origin. Dealers would not have access to 82 model year options to order up such a configuration. If it was ordered in a configuration it would be listed there unless, of course, it was an engineering mule or special build.

If the buildsheet were available, it would provide additional data about the original configuration. Why not ask the dealer if he has the build sheet for the vehicle?

[Marvin B.]

Re: 1982 hatch on a 1981 from factory?

Thanks Joe. It was a long shot, but I agree with you. There ae a few other things that make me feel like this vehicle my be a throw together, although the Carfax doesn't show anything unusual after August of 2007. I appreciate your feedback! Marv B

[Marvin B.]

Re: 1982 hatch on a 1981 from factory?

Thanks Tom. I'm going to be contacting the dealer this morning and will ask. It is unlikely that the dealer has anything for documentation, because they are not a manufacturer dealer, but it is worth asking about. As noted above to Joe, I have a sneaky suspicion that this vehicle may be a throw together, and I will likely pass on it. Thanks again for your reply. Marv B

[Tom B.]

Re: 1982 hatch on a 1981 from factory?

There were aftermarket companies that offered a hatchback conversion kit for 1978 to 1981. Some guys converted theirs with factory pieces from the '82 when they became available.
Tom