Rear hatch fitting

[Fast4esT]

Friend has a 99 avant and needs to replace the rear hatch. We are finding there is a vin cut off in 99. Is the rear hatch actually different and will not fit if the vin does not match up?

[fR3ZNO]

The hatch itself is the same, I think the difference is due to facelift changes and the locks.

[Fast4esT]

I was thinking that, so the newer has electric locks? Assuming that it can be converted to vacuum lock if he has all the parts from his old hatch?

[fR3ZNO]

I was thinking that, so the newer has electric locks? Assuming that it can be converted to vacuum lock if he has all the parts from his old hatch?

I'm not overly familiar with the exact differences, but I think it should be explanatory if you've got the two hatches side by side. But parts should be swappable.

[thedanplasse]

My 2000 has vacuum going to it. Seeing as how people (including myself) run '96 hatches...I'd assume the differences aren't going to thwart your ability to run early '99 and older hatches.