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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Engman Style Trunk Release
Posted by: Nogoodwithusernames Aug 9 2018, 03:15 PM
Is anyone making a kit like the one Mr. Bland was making before he passed? My car already has a reflector and solenoid kit installed but of course it's iffy and requires two people when it does work (to depress the trunk lid). Or maybe have a list of components or some instructions for anything like it?
Figured after finishing up brakes this weekend *fingers crossed* I should make sure the rear trunk works since I've got a road trip planned with it in a few months.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=17486
Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Aug 9 2018, 03:21 PM
you could adjust the solenoid lever to start the piston further down in the solenoid, that will make it pop every time.
Is anyone making a kit like the one Mr. Bland was making before he passed? My car already has a reflector and solenoid kit installed but of course it's iffy and requires two people when it does work (to depress the trunk lid). Or maybe have a list of components or some instructions for anything like it?
Figured after finishing up brakes this weekend *fingers crossed* I should make sure the rear trunk works since I've got a road trip planned with it in a few months.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=17486
Posted by: burton73 Aug 9 2018, 05:04 PM
Put a strong wire on the solenoid bracket so if your battery is dead or you need to get into the rear trunk in an emergence you can grab the wire from under the rear bumper and releases the rear trunk. Lots of guys do that. Look it up on search Engen.
And do what the Dr. George says
Bob B
Posted by: Nogoodwithusernames Aug 20 2018, 10:58 AM
Alright well I couldn't see any way to adjust the solenoid, lever, or bracket on mine. I got a 10foot pull cable (took much searching as no bike cables are that long!) on the way as well as some fittings for it, all available from amazon. Then I'll fab up a new bracket for the latch end to utilize the cable instead of the solenoid.
I'd much rather the security of releasing the trunk from the cabin vs a cable dangling under the car.
I'll try to get lots of photos and do up a thread detailing the build so other people can do it too if they want.
If anyone has photos of where things go inside the car on the Engman kit or photos of the templates that would be much appreciated.
Posted by: Nogoodwithusernames Oct 23 2018, 01:58 PM
Well I've made some progress on this since my last post, I've got a cable coiled in the engine compartment that I can use to pop the rear trunk latch. I've been hesitant to drill any holes to run it up to the cockpit without your input first though.
My two options I'm thinking of are running it right above the engine cover pull knob and 3d printing a similar cover and knob to match, or running it under the driver seat like how I think the original Engman version was done.
I'm having a hard time telling where I would need to drill through the sheet metal in the engine bay to come out in the right spot inside though and want guidance before hand to avoid having to weld up any extra holes. All thoughts/opinions/pictures are welcome.
Posted by: mepstein Oct 23 2018, 02:12 PM
Alright well I couldn't see any way to adjust the solenoid, lever, or bracket on mine. I got a 10foot pull cable (took much searching as no bike cables are that long!) on the way as well as some fittings for it, all available from amazon. Then I'll fab up a new bracket for the latch end to utilize the cable instead of the solenoid.
I'd much rather the security of releasing the trunk from the cabin vs a cable dangling under the car.
I'll try to get lots of photos and do up a thread detailing the build so other people can do it too if they want.
If anyone has photos of where things go inside the car on the Engman kit or photos of the templates that would be much appreciated.
Tandem bike brake and derailleur cables are long enough. They just have to be special ordered.
Posted by: bmtrnavsky Oct 23 2018, 04:44 PM
I never could get the solenoid to work quite right so I just use the wire all the time. Actually pretty easy to get in... If you know how! 
Put a strong wire on the solenoid bracket so if your battery is dead or you need to get into the rear trunk in an emergence you can grab the wire from under the rear bumper and releases the rear trunk. Lots of guys do that. Look it up on search Engen.
And do what the Dr. George says
Bob B
Posted by: Mike Bellis Oct 23 2018, 06:57 PM
Solenoids don't work really well if the throw is too tight. They work much better if the solenoid mechanism is slightly loose. Weather it is cable or lever actuated, the solenoid torque is minimal at its first movement and gains torque as it moves.
So... If it is a cable pull, loosen the cable slightly, not too much. Just so the solenoid motion starts before it pulls on the cable. 1/8" is usually enough slack. Lever style mechanism is slightly more difficult to adjust but is doable.
Posted by: Mark Henry Oct 23 2018, 07:45 PM
My 914 has a dealer (aftermarket) installed pull and reflector. The handle is just a standard T pull bicycle wire, the latch hardware is all stamped and cad plated.
Biggest issue is to the cab it's a long run with too many turns. You could mount the pull in the engine bay. One member mounted a small black knob through the LH small stationary engine bay vent grill. He did a nice job and it was kind of stealth.
Posted by: Mark Henry Oct 23 2018, 07:53 PM
How hard would it be to do a vacuum power lock?
Almost every old watercooled VW has a power lock vacuum pump in the trunk.
Posted by: barefoot Oct 24 2018, 04:59 AM
Put a strong wire on the solenoid bracket so if your battery is dead or you need to get into the rear trunk in an emergence you can grab the wire from under the rear bumper and releases the rear trunk. Lots of guys do that. Look it up on search Engen.
And do what the Dr. George says
Bob B
Mine had the solenoid non-operative, and a heavy wire routed straight down thru a small hole in the trunk floor long enough to just sit above the bottom of the valance. Much easier than a ling cable thingy.
Posted by: Nogoodwithusernames Oct 24 2018, 09:54 AM
Just to clarify a couple things. The solenoid is gone (well sitting in the trunk still, but disconnected and will be gone)
I want to run the pull cable up to the cockpit instead of under the car for a few reasons, first is overall security. I also think it would look much more finished and like something the factory would have done if they went this route, and I don't want to have to reach down under the car every time I want to get into the trunk.
So my question at this point is where to drill to get into the cockpit. Should I just drill from the inside where I want it, and see where it comes out the other side?
Posted by: jim912928 Oct 24 2018, 02:05 PM
I'm not home to snap pictures (can this weekend)...but I did install the engman kit. Mine routes thru the trunk, into the engine compartment, and if I remember right I brought it in near the floor on the drivers side. I then drilled a hole in the raised channel that separates the front floor pan from the rear floor pan (cable runs under the carpet behind and under the drivers seat). The pull looks nice and stock just under the seat. To pop the trunk I just reach between my legs and pull the knob.
Posted by: Nogoodwithusernames Oct 24 2018, 04:00 PM
I'm not home to snap pictures (can this weekend)...but I did install the engman kit. Mine routes thru the trunk, into the engine compartment, and if I remember right I brought it in near the floor on the drivers side. I then drilled a hole in the raised channel that separates the front floor pan from the rear floor pan (cable runs under the carpet behind and under the drivers seat). The pull looks nice and stock just under the seat. To pop the trunk I just reach between my legs and pull the knob.
If you could get some photos when you're home of routing through the engine compartment and up into the cockpit that would be fantastic! Much appreciated.
Posted by: worn Oct 24 2018, 04:14 PM
[quote name='jim912928' date='Oct 24 2018, 01:05 PM' post='2659966']
I'm not home to snap pictures (can this weekend)...but I did install the engmankit
[/quote]
Please take the photos cause I need to prevent a reoccurrence of the locked out of the trunk syndrome.
[/quote]
I just reach between my legs and pull the knob.
[/quote]
Sounds really convenient.
Posted by: pvollma Oct 24 2018, 09:09 PM
Please take the photos cause I need to prevent a reoccurrence of the locked out of the trunk syndrome.
Or just replace the remote release altogether:
Posted by: Nogoodwithusernames May 20 2019, 03:27 PM
Been a while since an update, but this is just about wrapped up. My dad 3D printed me the knob and bezel piece to go inside the cabin, so some sanding and painting on those to get them cleaned up and then I can put it all together one last time. I'll be sure to get some photos when it's installed for everyone's viewing pleasure.
Also if anyone wants I can take some measurements and links to parts if anyone wants to duplicate what I've done.
Posted by: rjames May 21 2019, 09:52 AM
Please take the photos cause I need to prevent a reoccurrence of the locked out of the trunk syndrome.
Or just replace the remote release altogether:
Personal opinion, but I hate the look of a reflector with a lock drilled and mounted through the center. Reflector with no lock, or no reflector.
Posted by: Nogoodwithusernames May 27 2019, 06:16 PM
Alright as promised here are a few photos. @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=453 reached out to me and will possibly be doing a run of these (or similar) if there is enough interest. If you would want to buy one send him a PM.
The in-car knob and bezel piece were 3D printed then I did some finish work (sanding and painting) to clean up the stepped layers the 3D printer leaves, before installing in the same manner the original pieces.
P.S. after taking a photo with flash back under the relay board I realize it could use a good vacuuming down there 
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: Nogoodwithusernames May 27 2019, 06:18 PM
Hand-made bracket based off the solenoid bracket that was previously installed.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: Bill Shaw May 27 2019, 08:07 PM
Don’t know where I got it, but about 10 years ago I bought a cable release mechanism after much frustration with the electric release. I ran the cable from the crossmember through the engine compartment and alongside the trunk edge to the lock. Worked every time.
I’ll try to take some pics tomorrow and will post them.
Posted by: Bill Shaw May 28 2019, 07:42 AM
Attached are pictures of my trunk release. I’ll keep looking for info on where I got it.
Posted by: Nogoodwithusernames May 28 2019, 07:47 PM
Attached are pictures of my trunk release. I’ll keep looking for info on where I got it.
Those look exactly like what I was trying to accomplish here. Looks like you may have gotten the "Engmann" kit I refer to at the beginning of this. Unfortunately he passed a while back so the kits are of course not available anymore. Hopefully Rich will be able to make a few for anyone interested.
Posted by: wes May 28 2019, 07:55 PM
Attached are pictures of my trunk release. I’ll keep looking for info on where I got it.
Those look exactly like what I was trying to accomplish here. Looks like you may have gotten the "Engmann" kit I refer to at the beginning of this. Unfortunately he passed a while back so the kits are of course not available anymore. Hopefully Rich will be able to make a few for anyone interested.
I’m definitely very interested.
Posted by: Bill Shaw May 28 2019, 08:32 PM
I won’t be using my release for the next couple of months so if anyone wants to copy it and pays for shipping I’ll dismantle mine and send it for duplication.
Posted by: djway May 28 2019, 10:23 PM
I welded in some large brake tubing from just below the motor cover release by the driver seat to behind the latch which I will run a cable through.
I made one release lever so far and will see how it works out.
I will have an emergency release installed also.
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