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Posted by: lsintampa Oct 10 2013, 12:07 PM

I installed a electric magnet release on my trunk. Tested it and all was great. So I thought it would be working for a while - at least long enough until I put a secondary release in, but I was totally wrong.

So not only is the release not dis-engaging the lock, I was stupid enough to already mount the P O R S C H E reflector on the face.

There is a small gap between the reflector and the trunk that I might be able to wiggle a coat hanger into, but I'm not sure a) if that will work, b) how to wiggle the coat hanger even if I get in into the lock hole, or c) is there a better way?

So don't me, I'm already feeling like

Posted by: Eric_Shea Oct 10 2013, 12:12 PM

It's happened before.

You'll have to go through the engine compartment and push out the top latch cups. then with multiple 3/8" extensions and a 10mm socket, remove the latch.

Good luck.

Posted by: Kansas 914 Oct 10 2013, 12:18 PM

BTDT

Posted by: AfricanHijinx Oct 10 2013, 12:20 PM

where did you get the magnet lock?

Posted by: SirAndy Oct 10 2013, 12:27 PM

Do a search, there are several threads on how to do this from the engine side as Eric mentioned.

It's easier than it sounds ...

Posted by: lsintampa Oct 10 2013, 12:41 PM

Andy,

I did try to search and tried again, but I must not know the inside tricks to find what I'm searching for. I've tried +rear +trunk and many other combinations.

I'd LOVE to be able to search instead of posting, but searching (for me) has never been very helpful.

If you have other threads on the subject, I'd appreciate links to them.

Thanks,

Len

Posted by: SirAndy Oct 10 2013, 12:46 PM

Searching for:
+trunk +open +extension

In 'All Forums' gave me a nice list of results including these threads (In no particular order):

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=5110&hl=trunk++open++extension

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=24721&hl=trunk++open++extension

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=200347&hl=trunk++open++extension

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=207951&hl=trunk++open++extension


It took longer to write this post than doing the search ...

Posted by: KELTY360 Oct 10 2013, 01:01 PM

From the title of this thread I guessed you'd put on one of those reflectors....hmmm...I was right. What are you trying to do, lose your NARP status?

Posted by: 76-914 Oct 10 2013, 01:04 PM

if you can hear it clicking do this: press down on the trunk lid a few times then try it. if that doesn't work have someone push down on it while you activate the switch.

Posted by: bulitt Oct 10 2013, 01:07 PM

The threads really don't expound on the process Eric mentioned.
Open your engine lid
Pop the plastic cups out of the trunk (one on either side, when the top is stored the latches reside in the cups)
Then you will need about 5 foot of socket extensions and a 10mm socket.
Tape them together with some duct tape as you feed them into the trunk.
Insert the extension/socket through one cup hole and shine a flashlight through the other.
Remove the trunk latch bolts.

Posted by: r_towle Oct 10 2013, 01:12 PM

I had a friend who had the same setup of electronic latch and Porsche reflector.
He drilled a 1/8 hole in exactly the right place to stick a long allen wrench in there and push open the latch.

You really could not see it at all, but it was a good idea for insurance to get in there when needed.

I suspect if you are game, someone can get you some accurate measurement...then its just drill a hole, stick in a stiff piece if steel (not a coat hanger) and push.

Allen wrench was one of the T handle long ones...

Rich

Posted by: SirAndy Oct 10 2013, 01:16 PM

I only listed a few out of two pages of search results i got with a quick search that took all of 5 seconds to do.
I was not trying to provide links to threads that i knew had the best answer.

Is it really so hard to type 3 words in the search box and read through two pages of results all by yourself?

Posted by: Johny Blackstain Oct 10 2013, 01:17 PM

Tedious, painful & the best way to do it. Also helps to have a universal joint available.

Posted by: 76-914 Oct 10 2013, 01:28 PM

Good idea. Be careful because plastic can break as soon as you drill it if you don't use a bit made for plastic. A regular bit will latch on and pull thru too quickly thus breaking the plastic. The one on the left is for plastic. Or, you can re-shape an existing bit with a file. Note: the thicker the plastic the greater the risk of breaking w/ std bits. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/search/search.php?s=DRILL+BITS+PLEXIGLASS&x=0&y=0

Posted by: lsintampa Oct 10 2013, 01:28 PM

No it isn't, I should know as I've done much more searching than posting. The trick is knowing what to search for. Why I would search for +trunk +open +extension is beyond me... If I knew I needed an "extension" to "open" my "trunk", I wouldn't have needed to post or search for a clue.

Not a big deal, but just a FYI - I always search before posting. It just hasn't been very productive (for me).

Thanks,

Len

Posted by: Eric_Shea Oct 10 2013, 01:30 PM

Search here is kinda tough.

Posted by: ThePaintedMan Oct 10 2013, 01:32 PM

No worries. Keep in mind, Len hasn't been here very long. He'll get the hang of it.

What is more frustrating are people who have been here for years and still haven't figured it out, or are just too lazy to try to search before asking a question. I can think of one person in particular who does this weekly.

Posted by: orthobiz Oct 10 2013, 01:38 PM

Someone made this custom Google tool. I have found it useful and have it bookmarked:

https://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=002408345898193228772:ajvfxschcgc

Paul

Posted by: SirAndy Oct 10 2013, 01:38 PM

Because the first post in this thread after yours is from Eric telling you how to do this using several extensions.

I ran my search to find threads related to the method he described.
That's why i used the keyword "extension".


To me that's a perfectly logical progression:

- You do a search, can't find an answer
- You post here asking
- Someone gives you additional information
- You run a search again using that additional information
- You get (hopefully better) search results

Posted by: McMark Oct 10 2013, 01:49 PM

Hmm, weird. My stock pushbutton works great every time. Might think of upgrading.

Posted by: wndsnd Oct 10 2013, 01:50 PM

I could not have restored my car without the search function on the World. I use it many times a day

I find what works best for me is using quotes

"Open Trunk" or "trunk latch"

John

Posted by: flipb Oct 10 2013, 02:00 PM

You can also/instead just put the following into the Google search field in addition to your search terms:

site:914world.com

Posted by: JamesM Oct 10 2013, 02:09 PM

I have the same thing on mine, along with a thin steel rod on my keychain to open it.

Posted by: lsintampa Oct 10 2013, 02:15 PM

Yeah, I tried "open trunk" and found a great thread about BMW calipers.

Guys, enough with the search lessons already. It works for most of you, but I really haven't had much success. I'll take all the good suggestions to heart and try harder.

Meanwhile, I searched my soul for a miracle and one showed up! My magnet finally worked.

Now on to installing a fail safe fall back.

Thanks to all for your help on how to be a better search guru!

Appreciated!

Len

Posted by: lsintampa Oct 10 2013, 02:19 PM

This is the bomb! Thanks.... will use this often!!!!

Posted by: green914 Oct 10 2013, 05:25 PM

I just put the stock push-button back in mine Repairing the rust that formed behind the plastic-lenses, and filling in the holes - $900 - having a working trunk latch - priceless.

Posted by: turk22 Oct 10 2013, 05:56 PM

This is the best, no "+" signs needed...

Posted by: bulitt Oct 10 2013, 06:59 PM

Andy- I was just trying to say that after searching and reading the threads Eric had already covered the process pretty well.

Posted by: rick 918-S Oct 10 2013, 07:17 PM

Just did the same thing. I ended up removing the hinge bolts, lifting the lid as high as it would go, Removed the gasket across the trunk bulkhead and made up an extension from 1/4" rod to get to the 10mm bolts. I now have a safety wire on the latch that comes down between the muffler heat shield and rear body panel.

Posted by: PanelBilly Oct 10 2013, 07:33 PM

I spent more time repairing the holes I had drilled in the car for the reflector than I did installing it and rigging the extensions to "break in" when it failed to let me in the trunk. Lesson learned. I still like the look of the reflector.