Popping the trunk

[QQBlue1]

I lost my trunk key and so I thought popping the trunk would be an easy task but I have not figured out how to do so. I had assumed that the tab poking through the locking mechanism would allow me to release the latch. Then I loosed the bolts to see if any progress could be made. Now I'm wondering if I could crawl back in there and and unbolt the deck lid from the latch itself, but surely I am missing an easy step? Has anyone had to do this before? Thanks!

 

[mmissile]

I once slid a skinny screw-driver in beside the bar, and twisted the whole works with vise grips. I straightened the bar out after disassembly. That was decades ago.

 

[Photon440]

Or, now that it's unbolted, see if you can poke behind it to remove the c-clip and pop the lock out. Then you can easily twist the slot and unlatch.

 

[RT K_line]

Like mmisil said use a screw driver in the slot and turn it just enough to pop the lock. I have done it several times.

 

[Bb70charger500]

And don't worry about destroying the bar ,most if not all locks come with a few diff sized new ones . I'm assuming your going to replace the lock after all of this ,
If for some reason it won't turn to easy just cut the little rod then push the remains out then twist the latch . Good luck

 

[Aesthetikz]

When I got my '70 it did not have a trunk key, Had to crawl in there and unbolt it. Uncomfortable but effective.

- JDB

 

[Daves69]

3 - 4 ft of 1/4" rod or threaded rod. Form one end into a screwdriver tip by grinding or hammering. Bend an "el" in the other end. With the seat back off firmly insert the tool and turn counter clockwise.

 

[QQBlue1]

Thanks for all the tips. I ended up backing out the bolts from the trunk lid, and now I see how the whole thing is put together AND why I should keep my spare keys handy.