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trunk wont open

Josh Brink

Josh Brink

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My 66 Belvedere II four door trunk will not open, (has to be operator error) I just got this car so I am still learning about it. The round key goes into the lock but I cannot turn it to pop the trunk open. What am I missing? The car has not been hit and everything is straight. I can send pics if you need but Im pretty sure there is a simple solution.
Thanks
 
Spray a bunch of some rust/lubricant in the assembly. If that doesn’t work, you might have to take the back seat out. Reach into the trunk with a flat blade screwdriver and open the lock. Try the trunk key in the glove box door. If it works, then it should work in the trunk lock. You could also push down on the trunk lid while turning.
 
Wrong key?
If not, I had a problem once and can tell you how I got the one in my 67 Coronet opened. I had a car cover in the trunk, and it got snagged in the latch so it would not release. I had to remove the rear seat and the cardboard divider panel. I was able to use a 3/8 ratchet with every extension I had (about 3-1/2 feet total), and the proper7/16 or 1/2" socket. I was able to reach through the trunk to unbolt the two bolts holding the latch to the trunk lid. The lid opened, and I was able to get the problem resolved.
 
Big Bad Dad said:
Wrong key?
If not, I had a problem once and can tell you how I got the one in my 67 Coronet opened. I had a car cover in the trunk, and it got snagged in the latch so it would not release. I had to remove the rear seat and the cardboard divider panel. I was able to use a 3/8 ratchet with every extension I had (about 3-1/2 feet total), and the proper7/16 or 1/2" socket. I was able to reach through the trunk to unbolt the two bolts holding the latch to the trunk lid. The lid opened, and I was able to get the problem resolved.
Click to expand...
My latch on my charger was rusted shut. I had to cut it off by crawling in the back and cutting a hole in the divider panel to reach back. Just yesterday installed new hinges, decklid, and latch. Ill repaint it later. my primer was bad and it dripped all over the bottom. I just wanted to make it white because it was red. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z7sD5PyeSeiAEqP79
 
yep,

through the trunk.

bottom of back seat first- push straight back and lift up while holding back

after a few tries, you can do it in one motion

top of back seat has thick sheet metal tabs bent over at the bottom corners

then there's the diagonal braces to squeeze through

I'd first try jiggling the key up and down while trying to turn it

then maybe pulling out a hair while turning
 
Last edited:
Just so you know, and I haven't figured out the specific problem with my lock, but this is how it behaves. It will open, but only after a varied number of tries. The key does not turn on the first try, sometimes it will after 10, 50, or 100 tries. All of a sudden it will open after refusing to open all those previous times. Pushing down on the trunk does not seem to help, only persistence and fortitude.

Now what I do (since the vehicle is not on the road) is I leave the key inserted in the trunk lock. Now it opens first time, every time. If I pull the key out, it will be sure to give me fits again. I have used powdered graphite, WD-40, banging on the trunk lid, none of which seems to help.
 
Dibbons said:
Just so you know, and I haven't figured out the specific problem with my lock, but this is how it behaves. It will open, but only after a varied number of tries. The key does not turn on the first try, sometimes it will after 10, 50, or 100 tries. All of a sudden it will open after refusing to open all those previous times. Pushing down on the trunk does not seem to help, only persistence and fortitude.

Now what I do (since the vehicle is not on the road) is I leave the key inserted in the trunk lock. Now it opens first time, every time. If I pull the key out, it will be sure to give me fits again. I have used powdered graphite, WD-40, banging on the trunk lid, none of which seems to help.
Click to expand...
Is the key quite worn? How well does it work in the glove box. Forget if trunk key is used for the console also. Our consoles don’t have a key.
 
Dibbons said:
Just so you know, and I haven't figured out the specific problem with my lock, but this is how it behaves. It will open, but only after a varied number of tries. The key does not turn on the first try, sometimes it will after 10, 50, or 100 tries. All of a sudden it will open after refusing to open all those previous times. Pushing down on the trunk does not seem to help, only persistence and fortitude.

Now what I do (since the vehicle is not on the road) is I leave the key inserted in the trunk lock. Now it opens first time, every time. If I pull the key out, it will be sure to give me fits again. I have used powdered graphite, WD-40, banging on the trunk lid, none of which seems to help.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you need to have a new key cut.
 
Key must be worn, it's a '65 model. Don't know about fitting or working in the glove box, good question (but I don't feel like pulling the key out of the trunk to find out-too much hassle trying to open the trunk again where I store parts, sorry).
 
Dibbons said:
Key must be worn, it's a '65 model. Don't know about fitting or working in the glove box, good question (but I don't feel like pulling the key out of the trunk to find out-too much hassle trying to open the trunk again where I store parts, sorry).
Click to expand...
Please don't tell me you only have 1 set of keys?
 
...or you have bad/worn pin.

I've seen them wear where the tip is no longer a concentric cone (/parabola).

If it rotates in the bore just right, it could not lift high enough to allow rotation.
 
I'm sorry but I have to ask ...
What way are you putting the key in?
Also if your trying the correct way, try flipping the key. Someone may have installed the lock upside down.
 
I got the trunk open. Ended up having to go through the back seat and remove the latch assembly. Found all kinds of old goodies in there. thank You everyone for your help.
 
69a100 said:
Please don't tell me you only have 1 set of keys?
Click to expand...
Josh Brink said:
I got the trunk open. Ended up having to go through the back seat and remove the latch assembly. Found all kinds of old goodies in there. thank You everyone for your help.
Click to expand...
Thanks for answering my question! Go get another set of keys made, and don't lose them!!
 
Josh Brink said:
I got the trunk open. Ended up having to go through the back seat and remove the latch assembly. Found all kinds of old goodies in there. thank You everyone for your help.
Click to expand...
Old goodies, now is the time to be a nice guy and :xscuseless:curious minds want to see.:D
 
trunk1.jpg
trunk2.jpg
trunk3.jpg
I knew I should have added the pics, my bad.
 
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