Access to the trunk on 66

[vin man]

I can't get into the trunk of a 66.

When car was purchased, we could open trunk with the key. Now, the key turns the cylinder (clockwise and counter clockwise) but does not release the locking mechanism.

We certainly can't fit through the tiny opening behind the rear seats. Is my only option to drill out the lock cylinder?

There is a "trunk release" lever in the center console. I believe it is a vacuum switch. But it does not seem to work. I have tried putting vacuum directly on the line that I found running into the back of the car with no result.

Would appreciate any advice.

[Jimz Bird]

Rube Goldberg?

I don't remember where I read it or if it will work in your case.
Someone put together enough extensions with a socket on the end to unbolt the "U" bracket for the trunk latch. They taped them so they wouldn't come apart easily.

Jim

[Terry64HT]

The only way to release the trunk lock (without drilling out the cylinder) is to undo the two bolts that hold the catch inside the trunk. I have heard that it can be done with extensions, but I think you would have to get the spare tire out of the way first.
The lock on my 64 quit working when the retaining clip broke on the leaver rod last fall. Since the trunk floor was damaged (through my own stupidity) and had to be replaced anyway, I cut a hole in the floor and undid the two bolts holding the catch. Once the hole was cut with a grinder, it took 30 seconds. The biggest problem was making sure the heat from the grinder didn't cause a fire.

Terry
64HT

[vin man]

I think I can reach the 2 bolts with extensions. If I undo those bolts, does it drop the latching mechanism itself? The reason I ask is because the cylinder is in the trunk lid, but the bolts appear to be going into the rear valence panel.

[Terry64HT]

The two bolts hold the latch to the body. When you undo them, the trunk lid will open, giving you access to the back of the lock assembly. You will need to remove the lever on the back of the cylinder to get it out.
Since your original post said the key turned the cylinder, you might find the lever and rod on the back have come apart.
Hope this helps
Terry
64HT

[vin man]

I purchased a 4 foot long piece of rebar. I'm going to cut a 3/8 drive ratchet extension in half and weld each piece on the ends of the rebar so I have a long enough piece to reach the 2 bolts. Will give this a shot tomorrow.

[Jimz Bird]

Innovation is the Mother of Invention.
Or maybe, desperation eh?

Sounds like a plan. Good thinking. Hope it works for you.

Jim

[vin man]

Success!

We took a piece of rebar and cheap 4 inch extension and made a tool!




Once we got access, spent a little bit of time figuring out how to get the linkage that had fallen off back into the proper orientation. We call this one "junk in the trunk"

[Terry64HT]

Congratulations, an elegant, practical solution. You said the linkage had come apart, just as mine had. With me, the little black rod retainer clip had broken, allowing the linkage to fall apart.
Terry
64HT

[Jimz Bird]

Congratulations!

That looks like a:
"Magic Trunk Opener"
"Order yours today.
Only $89.98 plus shipping"

Now, if you would just get new shocks to handle that "junk in the trunk"

Glad it worked out for you