ovondrak

So what happens when you back up into a flatbed trailer that is higher than your rear window is you hear a loud CRUNCH and suffer a bruised ego.

So basically, I backed up into a flatbed trailer that I didn't notice because the deck was higher than my rear window (and I also forgot it was there). Just backed up and CRUNCH. Photos attached.

So the damage looks pretty bad. Tore a hole in the top of the hatch. Looks like I jammed up the roof pretty good, too (there had already been a dip in the roof, that's from my habit of standing up there to take photos during my railroading adventures). Tried to open the hatch and I can't seem to do that at the moment... Fortunately, I didn't get hurt, and I didn't break any glass, so I can drive home okay.

I'm not a tech, about the only work I do myself is changing plugs and wires. I have a decent garage nearby and some handy friends with garage space I can use, but that's about it.

Is this something I could fix by getting a replacement hatch from a junkyard? I replaced the hood in a similar manner when it came unlatched and flew open on the turnpike a couple years back. I don't know what to do about the roof damage, though.

Okay, long enough email. Any help, ideas, suggestions on how I might be able to fix this would be very much appreciated. It's a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport four-door.

-otto-

_StationWagon_

Oh crap!!

BFH & a new hatch I suppose ...
wow

freegdr

DAMB!!!!!! new hatch will help but theres gonna be a gap between the roof and hatch

Nor-CalJeeper

ouch, get a bodyhammer and dolly set and start straightening hr roof back out then pop on a new hatch

rompnXJ

ouch dude damn!!

if it were me i'd remove the hatch, have a bodyshop straighten the roof, and then dig up a new hatch from a junkyard and replace it myself

no rdplz

Yeah, if you don't take it to a shop, a body hammer for the roof and a JY hatch. I would recommend a reinforced roof rack if you plan to keep standing on top of your Jeep.

highmileage

looks like you get to go buy new stuff enjoy.

jomps

where you at? i gotta extra hatch from a 98

94nIT

Look's like a good time to chop the back!

ovondrak

Send me a PM, I'm just outside New York City area. I'm not opposed to shipping the item if it saves me a trip to the pick-it lot.

So it looks like I'll have my local body shop straighten out my roof for me... I hope I didn't impact the hatch hinge, I can't even open the hatch, so I'll probably need their help getting the old hatch off...

And about that roof rack... That was always something on my list! Maybe since I'm already doing some work, it's time to get one! :-)

Thanks all for the replies.

-otto-

jomps

pm sent

Agent_Oragnge

how did you do that much damage and not break the back window???

rompnXJ

i think you'll be opposed when you find out how much its gonna cost to ship a hatch from tennessee to new york

jomps

yeah im def not shipping it

Gorillaxj

I would chop the back lol.