automatic rear trunk
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 16
From: Yorktown VA
automatic rear trunk
My rents and my sister both got newer SUV/s and both of them have an awesome feature of an automatic trunk. They have a button both on their remote and on their dash, that when they press it, their trunk opens completely, by hydraulic or electric struts, and shuts obviously. Not an unheard of or uncommon thing to see these days. But either way its pretty nifty, so I'm wondering if anyone has seen this and converted a vette's trunk to do the same?! Because I really want to try this and convert my pop trunk to an automatic trunk! If I'm crazy and don't see an obvious problem with my idea please let me know, and/or just thoughts on the idea?!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Brisbane Queensland
My rents and my sister both got newer SUV/s and both of them have an awesome feature of an automatic trunk. They have a button both on their remote and on their dash, that when they press it, their trunk opens completely, by hydraulic or electric struts, and shuts obviously. Not an unheard of or uncommon thing to see these days. But either way its pretty nifty, so I'm wondering if anyone has seen this and converted a vette's trunk to do the same?! Because I really want to try this and convert my pop trunk to an automatic trunk! If I'm crazy and don't see an obvious problem with my idea please let me know, and/or just thoughts on the idea?!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,889
Likes: 25
From: CALIFORNIA
have thought about something like that before...I really dont think its a difficult project you just need to jump in and do it!
http://www.progressiveautomations.com/
everything you would need is on that website, but that's just one of many, try the auction site and see what they might have. good luck if you decide to tackle the job!
http://www.progressiveautomations.com/
everything you would need is on that website, but that's just one of many, try the auction site and see what they might have. good luck if you decide to tackle the job!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 128
From: Valdosta GA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-‘18-'19-'20-'21-'22
Something like this could be adapted:
http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts/au...toLoc1208.aspx
http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...3%2B4294870141
http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts/au...toLoc1208.aspx
http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...3%2B4294870141
Last edited by raff; Dec 21, 2014 at 09:11 PM.
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Never really thought about doing that to my car, but would be interested to see how you do it if you decide to tackle the job. If you go for it, please document with pics and details.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Trunk-Envy! 
I would think the biggest challenge if using twin motors would be to keep them in-sync (unless using hydraulics which is another can of worms). I rigged up hydraulic center-hinged T-Tops on my 1972 custom Corvette that opened and closed with the doors - man I used to have patience and stamina!
I would think the biggest challenge if using twin motors would be to keep them in-sync (unless using hydraulics which is another can of worms). I rigged up hydraulic center-hinged T-Tops on my 1972 custom Corvette that opened and closed with the doors - man I used to have patience and stamina!
Last edited by Choreo; Dec 22, 2014 at 02:59 AM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 16
From: Yorktown VA
hahah yeah I have to say why wouldnt you want an automatic trunk?!
Thanks for the different sights! the actuators look good! I almost thought about just stealing the whole system from another vehicle!! and trying to fit it on there if the travel in the strut was the same or close! cause I wouldnt need to but I would like to get a new locking system too so it would lock on its own as well, and not have to slam it or push it shut after the struts brought it down!
Thanks for the different sights! the actuators look good! I almost thought about just stealing the whole system from another vehicle!! and trying to fit it on there if the travel in the strut was the same or close! cause I wouldnt need to but I would like to get a new locking system too so it would lock on its own as well, and not have to slam it or push it shut after the struts brought it down!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,202
Likes: 4,187
From: Kannapolis NC
To paraphrase "My Cousin Vinny", when the entire Corvette buying world is trying to cut weight, you want to add motors and hydraulics? Sacrifice speed and mpg for lifting a trunk occasionally? What's next, auto hood and power lambo doors?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 39
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Considering the current trunk setup is terrible, I like the idea. I don't know if the Z06s see the same problem, but I know with verts, popping the truck sometimes doesn't actually "pop" the lid up high enough. Considering the weight, you would probably only need an electric strut on one side. Not sure it's worth the time and money to fabricate, but I can definitely see the value added.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,990
Likes: 346
From: Mt. Pleasant S.C.
Considering the current trunk setup is terrible, I like the idea. I don't know if the Z06s see the same problem, but I know with verts, popping the truck sometimes doesn't actually "pop" the lid up high enough. Considering the weight, you would probably only need an electric strut on one side. Not sure it's worth the time and money to fabricate, but I can definitely see the value added.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 16
From: Yorktown VA
Trunk-Envy!
I would think the biggest challenge if using twin motors would be to keep them in-sync (unless using hydraulics which is another can of worms). I rigged up hydraulic center-hinged T-Tops on my 1972 custom Corvette that opened and closed with the doors - man I used to have patience and stamina!
I would think the biggest challenge if using twin motors would be to keep them in-sync (unless using hydraulics which is another can of worms). I rigged up hydraulic center-hinged T-Tops on my 1972 custom Corvette that opened and closed with the doors - man I used to have patience and stamina!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 16
From: Yorktown VA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,889
Likes: 25
From: CALIFORNIA
If weight was really the issue that means I would hit the gym and drop around 25-30 pounds myself...the driver counts also, problem solved
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 39
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
I don't think it would be worth it, but if a bolt on package was offered very cheap, I'd certainly think about it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 39
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Now that you bring it up, an auto hood would be cool as well. And if I liked lambo doors, it'd be cool to have them open automatically. All three of those probably would add almost 10 pounds though causing it to be slower and less fuel efficient than a truck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 455
From: Stella, North Carolina
The only vehicle I have had that has that option is the mini van...my Vert trunk lid is so tiny and light as compared to lifting a Van door. I think the auto open is of necessity on the van not so much on a small trunk lid. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
very true
but a simple spring is not near as cool as a master crafted over engineered electro-hydraulic Buck Rogers gizmo
it will, however, survive the test of time.