trunk won't open now!

[Snailhouse_projects]

hey guys I have a little dilemma that im in and I have some time to figure it out but I need some help! I have a 65 newyorker and I just installed some 65 Newport taillights on (cause finding newyorker taillights is hell!) and once my son and myself installed them, I close the trunk as usual and now the darned thing wont open! any tips on getting it open so I can trouble shoot and fix it? I need to replace two bulbs in there and I cant do it! little help please!

 

[Moparhead]

Pull the back seat and climb in thru there to unlatch the trunk

 

[commando1]

Won't be able to climb into the trunk IIRC becacause of the X-brace. Going to need a 4' screwdriver.

 

[Big_John]

I've hooked a bunch of socket extensions together and unbolted the latch from the back seat. If the latch is broken, this may be the best option.

 

[Ironwolf]

I've hooked a bunch of socket extensions together and unbolted the latch from the back seat. If the latch is broken, this may be the best option.

You can also attach the screw driver or socket extension to a broom handle, pipe or other cut to length object with band clamps (hose clamps)

 

[cm23uoc]

Maybe your son fits through the x-brace ? Otherwise the next thing would be the extension.

 

[Pete Kaczmarski]

Does the lock cyldinder feel normal when you put the key in it and try to turn the key. If so spray some lubricant into the key hole and try a newer or better key. If still unsuccessful then one of the other suggestions must be tried.

 

[Snailhouse_projects]

maybe I can get by the x brace, or send my son in there.... the key feels normal, and I sprayed penetrating oil in there and I tried it today. key turned like normal and I banged on the trunk with my hand and it popped open, so I sprayed the mechanism and cycled it, closed the trunk and now it wont open again....fml im going to try again tomorrow and if not then my boy is getting sent in with a flash light..... I hope hes not afraid of tight places....

thanks guys ill let you know what the outcome is.


Barnabie

 

[Ironwolf]

To me it sounds like the lock mechanism is sticking and needs a good shot of WD40 and let it work itself in

 

[66SportFury]

Yeah, this time when you get it open, work the lock mechanism by locking it manually and hit it a few times with some lubricant before you close it again.

 

[Ironwolf]

To me it sounds like the lock mechanism is sticking and needs a good shot of WD40 and let it work itself in

 

[cm23uoc]

I just happened to have a problem with the lock mechanism of a front door that was completely frozen. To me the most effective stuff to clean such mechanisms is to soak it for a couple of days in Diesel fuel then blow it out with the air gun, works very well also with carbs. It's mostly a question of patience to let it sit for a couple days.
The door lock mechanism works and looks as smooth as the first day, this Diesel fuel seems also to have a bit of oil/grease effect and to dissolve all that old greasy stuff, done this a couple of times.

 

[Big_John]

Don't use WD-40.

What happens is the carrier for the oil evaporates and leaves a gummy (paraffin) residue behind. It will work short term, but long term it may cause more issues than it solves.

For the lock itself, use graphite and for the mechanism, a white grease works well.

The only good use I've ever found for WD-40 was removing old stickers. There's better penetrating oils out there and much better lubricants.

 

[vdk2010]

I prefer Caramba. It's German and I don't know if you have it over there, but it's the best oil that I know!

 

[polara71]

Won't be able to climb into the trunk IIRC becacause of the X-brace. Going to need a 4' screwdriver.

BS....... I can still fit

 

[commando1]

BS....... I can still fit

And lift NYB front bumpers.
With one hand.
While hanging by my feet.
Unconscious.

 

[polara71]

Yes probably....i aint dead yet

 

[Snailhouse_projects]

its true I fit through there, its not a tight squeeze at all...but anyway I took the lock off and cleaned it well then reinstalled it.... it opens a little better now, but once and a while I have to smack the trunk just to the left of the key to get her to pop open...

thanks for all the info guys!

 

[66SportFury]

Order one from Murry's.

 

[1978 NYB]

maybe I can get by the x brace, or send my son in there.... the key feels normal, and I sprayed penetrating oil in there and I tried it today. key turned like normal and I banged on the trunk with my hand and it popped open, so I sprayed the mechanism and cycled it, closed the trunk and now it wont open again....fml im going to try again tomorrow and if not then my boy is getting sent in with a flash light..... I hope hes not afraid of tight places....

thanks guys ill let you know what the outcome is.


Barnabie

Lube the hood latch assembly/mechanism too while you are at it.