FMS fiberglass hatch

[Sleeper]

After all of this talk about the FMS hood.... I figured I would start a thread about the FMS fiberglass hatch!

Has anyone have a picture of one?

Does anyone have one?

What are the pro's/con's of this hatch

How is it fastened down.....can you the stock hatch latch or are some sort of pins used???

What about the glass?Do you fasten stock glass in there? Or do you have to make a lexan peice?

Any info on this product would be great!

[SimonTuffGuy]

I know that someone had ordered one (Canada member I think)... Last I heard, he was still waiting to get it in.

From what I know of the hatch (minimal research - I may order one at some point?):
- It bolts to the top hinges up top.
- The stock hatch strut bolts on
- It fastens at the bottom using a set of hoodpins, it will NOT use the stock latch assembly.
- The stock glass fits in. I'm not sure how this process goes (I remember when the bodyshop put in the glass in my hatch after painting it last time - FMS would have to have a lot of reinforcement there... but my guess is that they've done their research and have it right)

We'll see... My first order with FMS is going to be euro tails and headlight/grill set... Then maybe the hatch...

[F3BZ]

i had talked to FMS about the hatch awhile back and what simon said is pretty much the information i got from them. i still have it on my wish list as something to buy. out of curiosity, wanting to get an idea how much the stock hatch weighed, i removed the lift strut at its bootom mounting point then lifted the hatch open to horizontal. i am of average strength but let me tell you, that hatch is heavier than i would have thought. i'm guessing maybe 40-50 lbs. i can imagine a noticable benefit by replacing it with the fiberglass piece if you don't frequently need to open it. my only concern would be how much more of a percentage of total vehicle weight would be shifted to the front of an already nose-heavy car and what effects on handling/safety it might have.

[glacius182]

I'm the one that order it in past july and I'm still waiting for it. I spoke with Roger last week and told me it should take another two weeks before having it ready. He told me that they reworked the design and that's why it's taking so long. He wants it to be perfect and that ok with me, I'm glad I'm not in a hurry to have it.

[Safety Guy]

My idea for the fiberglass hatch would be a "seasonal" hatch used with a lexan or plexi window for lightest weight. Come fall, you'd put in the regular hatch with defrost feature.

As for lightening the rear, I don't see a problem, especially if this is just a part of lightening the whole car. If the regular hatch weighs around 40 pounds or more, and the 'glass hatch with "plastic" window saved you about 20 pounds, that would be a pretty efficient weight savings, considering the 'glass hood only saves you around 10 or so pounds (from what I've heard).

Installing a regular glass window in the fiberglass hatch just doesn't seem very intelligent! Regular glass is HEAVY.

When I put together my B6/MTX car ("Speedstiva"), I plan on some serious lightening methods, especially for the front. I wouldn't mind Nate making some fiberglass fenders, either! At that point, the fiberglass hatch may become a possibility for me in the warmer months.

Karl

[Sleeper]

I don't think you would save even 1lb with fiberglass fenders on our cars.....they are already feather light........I have mixed fealings about a lexan rear window......would save on weight......I just hate how easy lexan scratches..... :?

I think the hatch would be a good way to shave off some lbs but i'd need to see pics and reviews before I bought one....

I think the only way to further lighten up the front end would be to have a 1 peice fiberglass front end....that would be awsome!