Trunk Lock Problem

ontheline · Sep 26, 2008

I have a 71 Chevelle, the trunk lock has always worked fine until we took the car out last night and the trunk wouldn't open. The key goes into the lock fine and also turns with no problem. I even pulled up and pushed down on the trunk to see if it would break loose. Today I put in some graphite into the lock and no difference when turning. I don't feel what might have been the spring tension on the lock when I turn the key. I'm thinking something in the lock itself has broken. Question... if I take out the back seat and use about 4 feet of socket extensions to take the nuts off the lock, would I be able to remove the lock from inside the trunk and get it open? Or is there another trick someone might have that would work. I'm in no hurry and it's not an emergency break in.....
Thanks in advance
Jerry

furball8994 · Sep 26, 2008

Jerry. That will loosen it up but I don't think it will open. The lock rod that goes from the lock to the latch may hold it up. What I had to do to my sons Nova was to drill out the lock. Then slide a screwdriver into the lock and pop it open. Then replace the lock. Just start with a small drill bit and work your way up until you can get the center od the lock out.

Dean · Sep 26, 2008

ontheline said:
if I take out the back seat and use about 4 feet of socket extensions to take the nuts off the lock, would I be able to remove the lock from inside the trunk and get it open?

Yes that will work, I’ve done it a few times myself.

MidLife72 · Sep 26, 2008

ontheline said:
I have a 71 Chevelle, the trunk lock has always worked fine until we took the car out last night and the trunk wouldn't open. The key goes into the lock fine and also turns with no problem. I even pulled up and pushed down on the trunk to see if it would break loose. Today I put in some graphite into the lock and no difference when turning. I don't feel what might have been the spring tension on the lock when I turn the key. I'm thinking something in the lock itself has broken. Question... if I take out the back seat and use about 4 feet of socket extensions to take the nuts off the lock, would I be able to remove the lock from inside the trunk and get it open? Or is there another trick someone might have that would work. I'm in no hurry and it's not an emergency break in.....
Thanks in advance
Jerry

I used to put graphite in locks until I took one in that wouldn't turn at all. The lock smith told me wd-40 or similar product is better for the lock. The graphite when wet globs together and jams the lock.

Don

ontheline · Sep 29, 2008

Thanks everyone for the replies, I ended up drilling out the lock and bought a new trunk lock for $11.00 at Autozone and installed it... Now everything is operating as normal..
.
Thanks again for the help....
.
"Ontheline"

Trunk Lock Problem

ontheline

furball8994

Dean

MidLife72

ontheline

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