Trunk lock trouble

[JAYK1969]

69 Dodge Charger, trunk will not open. Key turns but will not release. I removed the back seat. Is there any way to release it from the back side? Any help would be great. Thanks

 

[CudaChick1968]

Sure (assuming it's like my '68 Fastback Cuda anyway lol). Climb into the area behind the top of the back seat, taking a drop light and flat screwdriver with you. On the back of the lock you'll see a little slot; put the screwdriver in it and turn it a little. It'll pop the trunk open.

 

[kb73rr]

If that doesn't work you could also simply remove the trunk latch mechanism. There are two bolts or screws holding it on. Here is a picture.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Oh sweet! There's that slot I was talking about earlier. Great pic!!! Thanks for the backup kb < hug >

* * *

Duhhhh, now that I think about it, I've done three or four trunk lock mechanisms over the years (including MY OWN). I could've whipped out an "After" pic myself if I had a brain today ............. LMFAO

God I hate Mondays, especially those with 90% humidity and nothing but paperwork involved.

 

[67 coronet]

if it is a tight fit to crawl in,then duckt tape a screw driver to a broom stick to reach it.

 

[JAYK1969]

Open now. Thanks for all the help. Had to go in the trunk and unbolt the latch. Seems to be all gummed up.

 

[CudaChick1968]

They do get that way Jay, but a few little PB Blaster or WD-40 squirts in those little holes you can see up there in kb's pic (next to the rivets) combined with working the latch open and closed a few times should free it up. Sometimes it also takes a couple light whacks with your BFH but usually the lube is enough.

 

[kb73rr]

Oh sweet! There's that slot I was talking about earlier. Great pic!!! Thanks for the backup kb < hug >

You might be rethinking that <hug> this fall when you get that big box of parts we need to get powder coated. I think my buddy wants to send his whole car ha ha ha.

Incidently, I stole that pic from eBay. That's a repop latch assy that goes for about $55. I would definitely try the WD-40 method first.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Nahhhhh, I'd still hug ya again. If it wasn't for you guys and your big boxes of "job security," I wouldn't have a thing to do out here in the sticks except watch the paint dry and cars rust.

But don't let him bring the whole car! My oven's not big enough, and he'd have to remove every bit of plastic, rubber, seal and everything else that won't withstand 500 degrees. It could theoretically be done ... but danggggg, what an effort.