dennis6605

I've done a search and can't find any info.

I went to a car show today and when I tried to open the trunk to get our lawn chairs out the key would turn but not release. I think the latch on the end of the cylinder must have came off. Any ideas of how to get it open with out a lot of damage. Its a '59 if that means anything.
My wife put some fruit in there and I would really like to get that out of there.

Thanks Dennis

dcamick

Push down on the deck while turning the key.......Might help!

427390HP

This has happened to others. Here are three threads that have discussed the various problems and solutions:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-t-open.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...unk-stuck.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-t-open.html

Good luck in getting it open.

Terry

dennis6605

Tried that

Geralds57

A car show in Indiana today? It must have been inside. If the rod came off, you’ll probably have to drill out the lock and use a long screwdriver to open the latch. I had to do it one time but it was a 57 and I couldn’t punch out the emblem. Hopefully pushing down on it will make it open. Good luck.

dennis6605

I wondered if anyone would catch on to that. I'm in Harlingen TX. I went to a "Winter Texan Appreciation Day" car show. Entered in a indoor show next week in McAllen TX.

Got a expensive lesson today. My cleaning kit bag was jammed against the lock. I should have just went out and gotten up to speed and jammed on the brakes. Knocked the emblem out and got in the trunk. Busted up a new emblem and ring. New parts come to around $260 with S&H.

One forum member suggested knocking the emblem out with my fist. I sure don't want to **** that guy off as I had to hit it several times with a 2 lb. ball peen hammer.

Thanks guys for the suggestions,

Dennis

mmaturo

My lock did the exact same thing as the original poster...(I commented in the posts linked) I tried about everything. Handed it off to guys doing other work on the car to take a shot at it. They popped the emblem out with no damage. I couldn't bring myself to do it. The lock cylinder/latch was misaligned/bent and had bound up.

dcamick

Unbelievable.....I thought that stuff only happened to me!!!!

AZDoug

I can push the emblem out of my '61 with my hand, i don't need to punch it.

The three pins on the ring are really too small for the speed nuts, and the nuts just slide off the pins with moderate force.

Look at it this way, you have a brand new emblem and ring now.

Doug

0Corvettes by George

Yes,
I was able to “pop off” the trim ring thereby saving my Center emblem and backing. One prong did break, but a much cheaper piece to replace.

Incidentally, the spring broke which allowed the lever to dislodge—disappointing in that it was a new lock/spring set. Replaced with old original spring and so far so good. Wonder if the replacement springs are of lessor quality?
G

wmf62

I pushed the emblem in once... now I have an electric trunk latch...

Bill

0Corvettes by George

My current build will have an electric lock��

wmf62

there is a Ford latch that will work with 2 out of the 3 bolts used (what I used and it works fine..., the 2 bolts are in the same location as the GM ones), and a Firebird one that has 3 bolts like the manual latch. the Firebird one is a bit pricey..

Bill

AZDoug

It still works with a key, too,
right?

wmf62

yes... uses the original lock assembly and tail piece

Bill

6D2148

I think I'll put emblem in with "O" rings instead of speed nuts. Chip

Captain Bud

What year ford electric latch did you use?

wmf62

it appears to be kin to this one...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-75-FOR...NaSzOn&vxp=mtr

I believe it is eckler that had a 'kit' using a GM latch, you might want to check with them to price shop....

Bill