trunk won't open

[69tr]

I cleaned some accumulated things out of the trunk of my car yesterday and moved it outside to work on the garage. When I later went to put a new tool bag in the car the trunk would not open. I tried locking and unlocking, mashed down on the trunk and while pushing the button and still no luck.

Any ideas without removing the back panel and trying to reach the latch from there? I can't get the gas tank out without getting the trunk open.

And here I was worried about the hood latch cable breaking. (I do have an emergency pull cable for that)

Any help appreciated, Pete

 

[jsfbond]

Don't know the TR's, should have had a GT.

 

[PeterK]

How 'bout driving around and hard braking, quick corners, etc. to dislodge what's in there?

 

[Marvin Gruber]

That may be a problem, keep trying to operate the push button using the key. Its a small unit and not much to it. As hard as it is to get to, you may have to cut a hole behind the tag to get to it. Good luck.

Marv

 

[Gliderman8]

Just a WAG... do you happen to have a 4" rubber jack plug in the trunk? Maybe it's possible to push the rubber plug up from underneath the trunk to try and gain access.
Like I said, just a WAG.

 

[mrv8q]

I hate to say it, but even with the back panel off, it will be tough to release it. I had the same situation, but luckily had one of the tail lights off for restoration, and could remove the two bolts that hold it in that way.....

Best of luck!

 

[hondo402000]

if all fails I can see drilling out the lock with a small drill bit to make a hole to get to the flap that releases the boot, I think once you drill thru and hit the flap it will release good luck, push really hard on the button. I bet the screws that hold the mechanism on came loose and the button just doensnt go in far enough

hondo

 

[Andrew Mace]

Call a good locksmith?

 

[mrv8q]

Maybe, after removing the cardboard back panel, assemble a long series of wrench socket extensions, over the top of the gas tank? It's not going to be fun....

 

[Number_6]

Maybe, after removing the cardboard back panel, assemble a long series of wrench socket extensions, over the top of the gas tank? It's not going to be fun....

Just a long shot, But as Kevin suggested maybe after you remove the cardboard from the the passenger compartment maybe with a few extentions and a socket you could reach in over the gas tank and remove the trunk lid bolts (FF6 or FF3) in the illustration?

My father had a simialr problem with his '52 Studebaker. He had to remove the rear seat and reach in through an access hole the size of a silver dollar with about 3-4 extentions to undo the trunk lid bolts. Took him a long time and a lot of swearing but finally got the bolts out.

 

[69tr]

If I drill out the lock will I be able to get to the mechanism to release the latch?

I am going to be busy for the next several days on some must do projects around the house. When I get back to the car I will let you know the out come.

Thanks again, Pete

 

[mrv8q]

with a few extentions and a socket you could reach in over the gas tank and remove the trunk lid bolts (FF6 or FF3) in the illustration?

I'm thinking <span style="font-style: italic">straight </span>back, to undo the 2 nuts holding the lock; don't have my 6 here with me, to take a further look....

Perhaps someone can post a pic of the lock, looking dead on...

 

[tomshobby]

Drill the lock and then grind away what is left of the outer flange. Push the lock into the boot and open the lid. Buy new lock, and one for the glove box so they match.