moon161 is looking for a rear hatch seal to replace his leaky one and have one in good nick on the 300TD-T that was hit in the rear. However, the hatch is stuck, lock doesn't even work. Any ideas?

Thank y'all in advance for any help!

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.

Just confirming no one has any ideas, as now have another interested in a part in the rear.

Thank y'all in advance!

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.

Remove the cover on the inside of the hatch to get some access to the internals, and figure out what part(s) of the mechanism to manipulate.

__________________
Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC

Spent an hour and a half at this...

Cover was removed, but the lock wasn't budging; now just the catch isn't. Anyway, had an idea that the lock might be pinched and why it is stuck. With a lot of hand hacksawing, prying with a large screwdriver, and breaking a ratcheting strap (stupid thing didn't release), got the pressure off. then playing with a spare latch, figured out how to unlock it. There is a tab in the center of all three axis that needs a firm push.

Despite not being able to get the hatch completely free, having the top half already cut off, able still to finagle the hatch seal out.

Side note, the hatch seal may appear rubber, but it is actually foam. Being well glued, will not come off in one continuous, neat, piece. Only the bottom corners and the bottom edge are rubber.

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.