You were right about there being some play in the 10 mm lock bolts, I was able to move the lock over to where it seems like it should be. This definitely helped, however, it's not quite right. The trunk still barely overlaps the left taillight. However, not in accordance with that, that gap between where the trunk meets the rear quarter panel is larger on the left than it is the right. This leads me to believe there is some misalignment with the trunk supports.

 

In 3-5 years haha, why?

 

maybe bent loosen the 10 mm"s so the striker can move pretty freely then shut the trunk lid then open it then tighten them try this and if this doesn't help I would guess bent hinges

 

The trunk is severely misaligned, they didn't get the car as straight as it should be in back and when the trunk went on, it was misaligned. Did the rear glass get replaced? They may have lied to you about how extensive the damage was.

Also, your striker latch, see how the base has ridges and it's not flat? Those should match up to the ridges on the body where it mounts. Yours is sitting on top of the sheetmetal. So in addition to being too far left or right (or fore or aft), it's probably a bit too high too.

Any chance in hell you can bring it back to the body shop that did the work and get them to fix it? They did a very half-assed job so kick them while you're there.

 

Guys, I've narrowed down the problem to the alignment of this bracket. I'm trying to unscrew all the bolts so I can try and shift it. However I cannot get to the third bolt because the hydraulic arm is in the way and I cannot figure out how to remove it. Can someone please tell me how.

 

Pull the small C clip on the end of the strut, support trunk lid and gently pop strut off of the ball. Little tip, when re installing just go ahead and put the C clip back in the strut, and push the strut back on with the clip in place. The strut will snap back in and be locked....

 

hmm c clip? Are you talking about at the top ball/socket of the strut?

 

Yes, when it's pulled out, they usually look like a c from the profile. Use a small flathead on the detent and push the clip upward. You should feel it give way, and start to pull out of its channel.

 

Oh dang I forgot to take a picture of mine, sorry man! I'm literally almost 12 hours away from my car or I'd help ya out. But yes, what he said^^^ be careful though, they like to fly away sometimes lol.