Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
914World.com _ 914World Garage _ your experience with rear trunk cable
Posted by: 98101 Mar 11 2018, 05:49 PM
Usual rear trunk button has been replaced with a cable release from the cabin to make way for the aftermarket rear reflector. Please note: this is the mechanical CABLE RELEASE, not the electric solenoid that some kits used.
First sunny day in a while. Put the roof in the rear trunk. Never sure I'll be able to get it open again. Now it's time to park. Pulling the cable in the cabin, hear a clicking sound but trunk still seems to be latched. Cannot secure the car.
Anyone else had this experience? The reflector sure looks cool, but I'm not sure it's worth this hassle!
Posted by: hockeymutt Mar 11 2018, 05:56 PM
No clue how to fix this. But one fix to keep it is to put strong magnates on it and remove the studs so if this does happen again you can just pop it off and open it
Posted by: ndfrigi Mar 11 2018, 06:27 PM
Usual rear trunk button has been replaced with a cable release from the cabin to make way for the aftermarket rear reflector.
First sunny day in a while. Put the roof in the rear trunk. Never sure I'll be able to get it open again. Now it's time to park. Pulling the cable in the cabin, hear a clicking sound but trunk still seems to be latched. Cannot secure the car.
Anyone else had this experience? The reflector sure looks cool, but I'm not sure it's worth this hassle!
Maybe Try asking someone to press on the button while you push down and up the trunk.
Posted by: Rand Mar 11 2018, 06:34 PM
Maybe Try asking someone to press on the button while you push down and up the trunk.
That's a great suggestion. Sometimes the clicker needs some give after it gets weak, so butt weight at the right time with the release can bump it loose.
But again... dependent on electrical which WILL fail at some point, so put in a backup after this.
Posted by: SO.O.C914er Mar 11 2018, 06:35 PM
I’ve had this problem before. Try having someone lightly lift up on the trunk as you pull the cable. Once you have it open again then it will be a matter of adjusting the two half’s of the batch.
Posted by: 98101 Mar 11 2018, 06:38 PM
Maybe Try asking someone to press on the button while you push down and up the trunk.
That's a great suggestion. Sometimes the clicker needs some give after it gets weak, so butt weight at the right time with the release can bump it loose.
But again... dependent on electrical which WILL fail at some point, so put in a backup after this.
Thanks, but this is the cable release version, not the solenoid version.
Might still work though, so I’ll round up some help.
Posted by: Rand Mar 11 2018, 06:44 PM
Sorry, thought you had the rear reflector mod with electric release. So you have the cable release and it still doesn't work? Curse doofy hack mods! I'm glad 914s have reached the place where this isn't done anymore.
Posted by: 98101 Mar 11 2018, 06:51 PM
Sorry, thought you had the rear reflector mod with electric release. So you have the cable release and it still doesn't work? Curse doofy hack mods! I'm glad 914s have reached the place where this isn't done anymore.
Going to try it again with a 6yo and 8yo lifting the trunk.
Posted by: Rand Mar 11 2018, 07:00 PM
Sorry, thought you had the rear reflector mod with electric release. So you have the cable release and it still doesn't work? Curse doofy hack mods! I'm glad 914s have reached the place where this isn't done anymore.
Going to try it again with a 6yo and 8yo lifting the trunk.
They should bounce on it instead right above the latch. Lifting will only work against you. If you have a shot, it's the downforce against the timing of the electric trigger to knock it loose.
Oh man, so sorry you are dealing with this. A frustrating dilemma for sure, but know you aren't the first who has had to deal with it.
Posted by: 98101 Mar 11 2018, 08:22 PM
Sorry, thought you had the rear reflector mod with electric release. So you have the cable release and it still doesn't work? Curse doofy hack mods! I'm glad 914s have reached the place where this isn't done anymore.
Going to try it again with a 6yo and 8yo lifting the trunk.
They should bounce on it instead right above the latch. Lifting will only work against you. If you have a shot, it's the downforce against the timing of the electric trigger to knock it loose.
Oh man, so sorry you are dealing with this. A frustrating dilemma for sure, but know you aren't the first who has had to deal with it.
Tried that with me pulling the cable ... no luck. There's a sound at the latch and they say they can feel something happening. Sometimes when I press the cable T in I feel/hear it catching something.
The thought of giving up on this hobby until I'm retired with a private garage has crossed my mind a few times today.
Posted by: wes Mar 12 2018, 12:23 AM
Works for me no not right but! Push down on your trunk lid as another person pulls the nob in the cabin to release pressure on the latch. Now if that works and you don’t always cary an extra trunk helper rig up a top secret handy dandy under the trunk release wire. In my case after restoring my car and replacing all rubber I found my trunk lid so tight even with the good old fashioned key lock button it wouldn’t work with out pushing lightly on the lid.
Posted by: Steve Mar 12 2018, 12:38 AM
I had similar issues with the cable and switched to a spal solenoid. I also drilled a 1/8” hole in the center of the S for emergencies. The solenoid is wired to a button on my Clifford alarm remote. I’ve had pretty good luck with it. Sometimes have to push down on the trunk lid and then push the remote button again.
Posted by: ndfrigi Mar 12 2018, 03:21 AM
Or you can just drill a hole in the reflector and install back original key latch like what I have on my previous 75. 
Posted by: rhodyguy Mar 12 2018, 07:34 AM
The stealth release is a piece of thin SS wire and SS washer connected to the latch mechanism hanging below trunk when the button doesn't work. Less than elegant.
Posted by: bdstone914 Mar 12 2018, 07:46 AM
If all else fails remove both of the white cups in the front part of the trunk and go in with several long extensions to remove the two 6mm (10mm) hex head ) bolts. One person can help guide the tool onto the bolt head through the other cup hole. Then install a pull cable like the engine lid has or the emergency wire from below.
Posted by: 76-914 Mar 12 2018, 08:00 AM
A few possibilities. Cable has slipped at attach point; Roof is not allowing the trunk to close w/o interference; latch not adjusted properly; and rarely the rear panel (the piece the lock mechanism bolts to) is pushed in slightly (1/8" is enough) and not allowing the cam to rotate. It's the round piece with a short pin that releases the latch when rotated. 
You will not know if it is this until the trunk is opened and you can look at the lock as the cable (or key in standard configuration) is used.
Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Mar 12 2018, 09:10 AM
the solenoid plunger does not go far enough into the electro magnet to grab it and pop the lid. A bit of adjustment of the lever and you will be all set.
Some drill a tiny hole in the middle of the S so in case of an emergency they can insert a welding rod and pop the trunk
We make the kits (bought Z products several years ago, and the solenoids work perfectly. It is always an alignment problem
Usual rear trunk button has been replaced with a cable release from the cabin to make way for the aftermarket rear reflector.
First sunny day in a while. Put the roof in the rear trunk. Never sure I'll be able to get it open again. Now it's time to park. Pulling the cable in the cabin, hear a clicking sound but trunk still seems to be latched. Cannot secure the car.
Anyone else had this experience? The reflector sure looks cool, but I'm not sure it's worth this hassle!
Posted by: 98101 Mar 12 2018, 10:38 AM
Then install a pull cable like the engine lid has or the emergency wire from below.
Thanks for the advice, all.
Something I wrote is somehow giving the impression I have an electric solenoid trunk release. I don't have an electric trunk release. What I have is a pull cable, like the engine lid has. That's what isn't working today.
Posted by: 98101 Mar 12 2018, 04:18 PM
UPDATE: Mechanics at Gerber Motorsport were able to unjam it. "No magic. Just a whole lot of force."
Anyway, I'd probably just stick with the stock button release unless you really need that 1983 look.
Posted by: KELTY360 Mar 12 2018, 04:57 PM
Michael - I think when you put the top in the trunk at my house yesterday that the top was not fully seated in the rubber holder on the passenger side. Might have been why you had problems.
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)