1960 trunk won't open
04-23-2017, 06:01 PM
#1
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
1960 trunk won't open
Key turns, does nothing.
Trunk will not open.
Spare and cover installed, trunk full of items.
Any suggestions as to how to release the latch ?
Thanks,
G
210-748-4693
Gropar@gvtc.com
Trunk will not open.
Spare and cover installed, trunk full of items.
Any suggestions as to how to release the latch ?
Thanks,
G
210-748-4693
Gropar@gvtc.com
04-23-2017, 08:10 PM
#2
Drifting
Member Since: Jan 2012
Location: Limerick Pa, Saint James City Fl
Posts: 1,622
Received 228 Likes
on
169 Posts
I have never done this myself, but read it from a very good source on this forum(can not remember who at the moment), you can punch the center out of the emblem by hand, using one fist to punch the other, then reach in the hole to release the lock. Chip
04-23-2017, 08:34 PM
#4
Racer
This. Search for the exact post. I had my latch bent and mine would not open. Exactly what you describe. While I did not ask I think this is what my mechanic ended up doing. It wasn't the key or the lock. Mine is a 60 also. Not sure how it bent, maybe if the trunk mat got caught or something. My trunk is hard to get it to latch, I have to slam it down a few times before it will catch so maybe the bending comes from some misalignment and slamming it over time.
04-23-2017, 08:59 PM
#5
Team Owner
First try pushing down very firmly on the trunk while turning the key. If some of that "trunk full of items" has slid against the latch and become lodged, you may have to push in the emblem like they said.
Here's a link to how it has been done in the past:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-t-open.html
Here's a link to how it has been done in the past:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-t-open.html
Last edited by 65GGvert; 04-23-2017 at 09:07 PM.
04-23-2017, 09:00 PM
#6
Team Owner
The following 4 users liked this post by 65GGvert:
04-24-2017, 05:43 PM
#7
Racer
I've had the same thing happen to my '55. As 65GGvert said, try pushing down on the hood to lessen the tension of the latch, then turn the key.
If something has slid against the latch, you may be able to drive it forward "quickly", hit the brakes, and move the items away from the latch. Worth a shot before you trash the emblem to get into the trunk... Good luck, don't break your key off in the cylinder, use a good key not a cheap copy, if you have one, less likely to break.
Jim
If something has slid against the latch, you may be able to drive it forward "quickly", hit the brakes, and move the items away from the latch. Worth a shot before you trash the emblem to get into the trunk... Good luck, don't break your key off in the cylinder, use a good key not a cheap copy, if you have one, less likely to break.
Jim
Last edited by jsmcol; 04-24-2017 at 05:44 PM.
04-24-2017, 07:20 PM
#8
Race Director
Member Since: Jun 2006
Location: Inverness FL
Posts: 17,891
Received 727 Likes
on
621 Posts
St. Jude Donor '07
when I locked my keys in the trunk I pushed in the emblem
AFTER you get it open, you might consider an electric trunk latch
Bill
AFTER you get it open, you might consider an electric trunk latch
Bill
Last edited by wmf62; 04-25-2017 at 05:40 PM.
04-26-2017, 08:15 AM
#9
Drifting
It might be helpful if someone would post a photograph of the 1960 latch assembly so the OP knows what he's dealing with. I'd be happy to do so, but my '59 is long gone and my '61 lock mechanism is completely different.
04-26-2017, 09:54 AM
#10
Team Owner
the link I provided in my earlier post has pictures
04-27-2017, 07:57 AM
#11
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
Okay,
I was able to "pop" the emblem ring off and get the trunk open.
The spring that retains the opening rod had disloged.
Thanks all,
G.
I was able to "pop" the emblem ring off and get the trunk open.
The spring that retains the opening rod had disloged.
Thanks all,
G.
Last edited by Corvettes by George; 04-27-2017 at 09:18 AM.
04-27-2017, 10:29 AM
#12
Tether Man
Member Since: Dec 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, South Hills
Posts: 4,537
Received 2,014 Likes
on
1,039 Posts
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
First try pushing down very firmly on the trunk while turning the key. If some of that "trunk full of items" has slid against the latch and become lodged, you may have to push in the emblem like they said.
Here's a link to how it has been done in the past:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-t-open.html
Here's a link to how it has been done in the past:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-t-open.html
04-27-2017, 10:49 AM
#13
Burning Brakes
A couple hints - -
As stated, pushing down on the trunk helps take the pressure off.
I ended up adjusting my catch up a little and now my key turns
very easy. I had it to tight and the lock kept coming out.
Also, when re-installing your emblem, tap the top of the nuts to
close the hole back up. If the hole has opened up you'll never get
them to hold.
Larry
As stated, pushing down on the trunk helps take the pressure off.
I ended up adjusting my catch up a little and now my key turns
very easy. I had it to tight and the lock kept coming out.
Also, when re-installing your emblem, tap the top of the nuts to
close the hole back up. If the hole has opened up you'll never get
them to hold.
Larry