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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Rear Trunk Latch Problem
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 3 2007, 03:58 PM
so. i REALLY need to get into my rear trunk.
problem is, it wont open.
PO removed the lock and place an electric latch and put the cool porsche reflector on the back.
are there any alternative ways into the trunk? (access hole on the underside? lmao)
the wiring seems to be fine and all connections are fine. i even have the JWEST fuse panel with no blown fuses.
replaced the inline fuse, POP! about 3 fuses. and then nothing.
ANY IDEAS?
Posted by: SirAndy Feb 3 2007, 04:05 PM
ANY IDEAS?
yepp, been there, done that ...
do a search here for a old thread. i used a (unfolded) metal coathanger, from the engine bay through one of the holes that hold the round plastic cups for the top-latch.
best done with a buddy that shines a flashlight through the second hole. it's usually quite dark in there when closed ...
Andy
Posted by: So.Cal.914 Feb 3 2007, 04:06 PM
If the solonoid still functions I would run wires directly to the battery, if its going
to work it will work with full volts/amps.
Posted by: Headrage Feb 3 2007, 04:37 PM
it's usually quite dark in there when closed ...
Andy
Ya think?
Posted by: Engman Feb 3 2007, 04:41 PM
Try the two person method - one hits the switch while the other pushs down on the lid above the latch.
M
Posted by: Elliot Cannon** Feb 3 2007, 04:56 PM
Try the two person method - one hits the switch while the other pushs down on the lid above the latch.
M
Then order a mechanical rear hood latch. I have one and it works great. Someone here sells them.
Cheers, Elliot
Posted by: mikez Feb 3 2007, 05:08 PM
I hate those electric solenoids....you can drill a small hole in the reflector and use a straightened coat hanger to trip the latch.
Posted by: boxstr Feb 3 2007, 05:30 PM
Remove the engine lid cover, two ten mm bolts, then you can get intot eh area much easier.
I have remvoved, or loosened the two bolts that hold the rear deck lid to teh hinges, you can then pry it up to gain a little more room to acces the rear trunk arera.
I then used a very long extension and a ten MM socket and removed the two bolts which secure the latch which is bolted to the rear tailight panel.
Oh after you are done, you might want to install a fail safe method to access the rear trunk that is not dependent on the electric solenoid.
Just a thought.
CCLINTRUNKMONKEY
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 3 2007, 05:52 PM
yeah i had a failsafe on my list of things to do when i get money.....
thanks alot. maybe my girlfriend wont be in trouble anymore.
she left a 400 dollar coat in there. (gift) and her parents are MAD.
its been in there like 3 months too. haha.
i think the solenoid might be fooked.
but thanksa again guys. i appreciate everything i get from here.
(p.s. same topic posted at 914C*** before i posted here. and only got one reply.... compared to what, 9?. pff. im glad i chose to stay here.)
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 3 2007, 08:42 PM
ugh... two hours of work. and nothing...
the hanger doesnt work because the lever needs to be pushed down. hard.
im getting so frustrated. 
i have thought about busting out one of the tail lights. and dremeling 
my way into the trunk.
anyone got a source for tail lights?
or even better. another suggestion?
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Posted by: SirAndy Feb 3 2007, 08:52 PM
the hanger doesnt work because the lever needs to be pushed down. hard.
aha, yes, the solenoid. hanger works on the stock latch.
as mentioned above, put a bunch of extensions together and try to undo the bolts that hold the latch to the body.
10mm socket, if still stock ...
Andy
Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 3 2007, 10:49 PM
ugh... two hours of work. and nothing...
the hanger doesnt work because the lever needs to be pushed down. hard.
im getting so frustrated.
i have thought about busting out one of the tail lights. and dremeling
my way into the trunk. anyone got a source for tail lights?
or even better. another suggestion?
If you can get to the 4 tail light housing nuts (with a long extension), remove them and the lens nuts, and then push out the housing for your access...
Posted by: mikez Feb 3 2007, 10:52 PM
Dude....just yank that fucking reflector off, it's glued onto what three, four tabs....stick a screwdriver in the exposed keyhole and pop the hood.....geez, don't make it a soap opera.....
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 3 2007, 11:54 PM
yeah well once again mikez.... PO decided to BOLT the reflector on.
im gonna try the ext. thing tommorrow.!
Posted by: vsg914 Feb 3 2007, 11:54 PM
Dude....just yank that fucking reflector off, it's glued onto what three, four tabs....stick a screwdriver in the exposed keyhole and pop the hood.....geez, don't make it a soap opera.....
Posted by: boxstr Feb 3 2007, 11:59 PM
Hey don't go bustin anything up, we want drama and something to root for. What time do we start in the morning??
CCLINASTHESOCKETTURNS
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 4 2007, 12:19 AM
ummm i was thinking like evening. after the OU OSU womens game.. and a trip to the store for those extentions. i only got like 4.
Posted by: McMark Feb 4 2007, 12:34 AM
Use the 'uber' long extension to undo these two nuts....
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Posted by: mikez Feb 4 2007, 01:12 AM
Small one inch hole saw...right thru the reflector....or two taps from a .45 ACP.....
BTW, the tabs that ARE bolted on to the back of the CAR, are GLUED to the reflector....TRUST me, rip the MOFO off....BTDT, got the tee shirt to prove it....
Posted by: McMark Feb 4 2007, 01:18 AM
If you only have a large one inch hole saw, you can make it work.
Posted by: mikez Feb 4 2007, 01:21 AM
If you only have a large one inch hole saw, you can make it work.
If you have a one inch tool....go ahead.....
Posted by: Dr. Roger Feb 4 2007, 03:08 AM
i was thinking of a hole saw through the trunk floor.... easily put-back-able.
my $.02.
=-)
Posted by: Jeffs9146 Feb 4 2007, 11:33 AM
Just drill a small hole in the floor of the trunk right below the release and use a coat hanger to pull the lever down!
Jeff
Posted by: mikez Feb 4 2007, 11:42 AM
20 years ago.....yeah I know, some of you twits were shitting in yer diapers 20 years ago....my neighbor had the same problem.
I told him those solenoids suck and he was gonna get stuck....moron also put the switch in the dash.....the first time I saw his wife pushing down on the hood while he hit the switch...I chuckled.....
I told him again....put the switch UNDER the license plate AND put a cable release for the time WHEN it fails....he ignored me.....maybe because his wife thought I was hot and lusted after me.....hey....when I was thin, I was a Greek God......now I'm just another goddamned greek....anyways....tip the waitress, try the prime rib....
Moving right along...he comes crying when the stoopid solenoid finally gave up....the wife had left him by that time....what a loser....anyways...I went over, got a flexy putty in between the reflector and the bumper and popped that POS cut down 911 poser reflector off and popped the hood.....took less time than it did to type this.....
Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 4 2007, 12:07 PM
Did you ever nail his wife?
Posted by: mikez Feb 4 2007, 12:19 PM
Did you ever nail his wife?
Posted by: scotty b Feb 4 2007, 12:51 PM
Sell the car, take the proceeds and buy the g/f a new coat and a used Miata with the rest. 
Posted by: boxstr Feb 4 2007, 12:55 PM
Get off your ass and out in the garage and get the trunk open, it should only take 30 minutes for a first timer.
The womens basketball game you can read about in the paper the next day.
CCLINHOLESAW
Posted by: mikez Feb 4 2007, 01:48 PM
Ohhhhh, tuff room.....next thing someone will suggest that he lose his "Man Card".....
Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 4 2007, 01:57 PM
I don't think you can lose your man card for having goofy-ass accessories on your car. Otherwise... we'd all be taking a collection for your "operation"
Posted by: mikez Feb 4 2007, 02:00 PM
I don't think you can lose your man card for having goofy-ass accessories on your car. Otherwise... we'd all be taking a collection for your "operation"
Ohh that hurt.....
No collection needed. I don't need a handicap van nor am I in jail.....
Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 4 2007, 02:02 PM
Posted by: rjames Feb 4 2007, 03:25 PM
I can't believe the suggestions to destroy things in order to get the trunk open. No holes need to be drilled, nothing needs to be 'yanked off'. Just because some folks don't like reflectors is no reason to suggest destroying one. And why drill an unnecessary hole in your car?
Using a flashlight to enable you to see in the trunk, just use something rigid that's long enough and thin enough to enable you to insert it in the trunk from inside the engine bay and reach the mechanism. Then just press down on the latch while another person presses down on the trunk and then opens it. Voila.
This is easily done in a few minutes after a little trial and error.
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Posted by: boxstr Feb 4 2007, 07:29 PM
Robert, Mrhurtalot who posted this thead is watching womens college basketball on television. We have all made sane and some insane suggestions.
We are all just waiting to see which one he accepts and for the outcome.
But yours is a good idea as are some of the others.
CCLINTRUNKMONKEY
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 5 2007, 01:41 AM
for future reference... i WENT TO THE GAME.
took the GF and had a nice day. followed by a bad evening...
I like the reflector. so eat me...haha
(any one else notice this at the bottom?
"Invision Power Board v9.1.4 © 2007 IPS, Inc.")
Posted by: SGB Feb 5 2007, 08:39 AM
Felix had a reasonable suggestion as well about the four 10 mm nuts holding the tail light assembly on. Thats pretty much straight back from the top latch cup. Pushing down hard on the trunk lid while someone tries to push the solenoid release is realistic too.
Posted by: mikez Feb 5 2007, 09:29 AM
for future reference... i WENT TO THE GAME.
took the GF and had a nice day. followed by a bad evening...
I like the reflector. so eat me...haha
(any one else notice this at the bottom?
"Invision Power Board v9.1.4 © 2007 IPS, Inc.")
If ya got some...it wasn't ALL bad....
Posted by: PinetreePorsche Feb 5 2007, 09:45 AM
Elliot has a great solution for later on. I want one too, for my 9014 rear. Anyone know where to get them-? Presumably a cable, w/ handle mounted either near the engine hatch pull, or inside the engine compartment. I was considering making my own, but if there's one on the market, I'll spend a litte money save my time and creativity for other projects. So, someone give us a source--or even a list of do-it-yourself parts-- and we'll be grateful.
Posted by: wbergtho Feb 5 2007, 10:04 AM
Once you've successfully opened your rear trunk (with a crow bar?), install the stock button latch on the reflector. You'll need to elongate the actuation pin on the mechanism so it will still work. It's easy to do and I think it looks fine having a stupid hole and an OEM lock...that's right...a hole drilled into the reflector...smack dab in the middle. Then you won't be going through this absurd bullshit again!
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Posted by: Engman Feb 5 2007, 11:45 AM
Elliot has a great solution for later on. I want one too, for my 9014 rear. Anyone know where to get them-? Presumably a cable, w/ handle mounted either near the engine hatch pull, or inside the engine compartment. I was considering making my own, but if there's one on the market, I'll spend a litte money save my time and creativity for other projects. So, someone give us a source--or even a list of do-it-yourself parts-- and we'll be grateful.
that would be me - pm or email me - details in the member vendor section.
M
Posted by: boxstr Feb 5 2007, 11:51 AM
JLO has a metal pull cord that secures through a hole in the acutuating arm at the bottom of the latch, it exits behind the bumper on the other side of the license plate, so all you do is pull it and the trunk monkey can escape.
CCLINPULLCHAIN
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Posted by: rjames Feb 5 2007, 12:36 PM
JLO has a metal pull cord that secures through a hole in the acutuating arm at the bottom of the latch, it exits behind the bumper on the other side of the license plate, so all you do is pull it and the trunk monkey can escape.
CCLINPULLCHAIN
I used a brake cable for a bicycle to do the same thing. However, I have learned not to let the trunk monkey out unless abosultely necessary.
Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 5 2007, 03:42 PM
there's another piece of advise somewhere in the archives about insuring you get 12v to the solenoid if you continue to use it. IIRC, it's running the ground back instead of through the chassis...
I'd leave this job for women's beach volleyball 
Posted by: banger Feb 5 2007, 04:32 PM
Why not drill a 1/8-1/4" hole in the reflector where the old lock used to be. Then maybe you can push the release tab for the lock with a coat hanger, nail or whatever. The hole shouldn't be too noticeable, and you wont ruin the reflector.
Posted by: wbergtho Feb 5 2007, 06:26 PM
Then how do you keep it locked??
Posted by: scotty b Feb 5 2007, 06:45 PM
Then how do you keep it locked??
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Posted by: reverie Feb 5 2007, 06:49 PM
Man, this is one crazy thread. 
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 5 2007, 11:43 PM
^AFTERMATH
geezus.
"the uber wrench" LMAO
and my garage floor after...
heres the story...
i bought some ext. from wally world. it was working. i even duct taped them all together but i got one bolt out half way and THE WHOLE DAMN THING FELL A FUCKING PART.
so i give up on that. and start to mess with the wiring again.
Lo and Behold.
IT LIGHTS ON FIRE!!
so i run around to the back of the car.
and i PUNCH the tail light out. ( 
OUCH_)
then iproceed to DREMEL THE HECK out of it. just in time to see the last of the wires to the latch ?actuator? burn up.
good thing is i got the trunk open.
.. 
suggestions for nice looking tail lights?
DR914 what do those "ITALIAN CLEAR" tail lights look like?
Posted by: boxstr Feb 6 2007, 12:06 AM
That will teach you to go to a wom ens basketball game. 
Soryy I couldn't resist. Well You gave it the good old college try. No shortage of extensions now.
If you need a tailight bucket I have few at CAMP 914.
CCLINTRUNKMONKEY
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 6 2007, 12:28 AM
yeah i looked there... where are they?
Posted by: boxstr Feb 6 2007, 12:35 AM
On the cars, I keep parts on the cars until needed. Just ask and you will receive.
CCLINPICKAPART
Posted by: ChrisNPDrider Feb 6 2007, 12:39 AM
I nominate this thread for the Classics
Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 6 2007, 03:05 AM
...at least you saved your reflector and we know the extension idea doesn't work 
Posted by: Lawrence Feb 6 2007, 06:19 AM
400 dollars for that coat?
it looks like a cheap seatcover.
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Posted by: mikez Feb 6 2007, 07:42 AM
Did ya find yer "Man Card" in there?
Posted by: PinetreePorsche Feb 6 2007, 07:42 AM
Clearly, at some point, you would have done well to pull the Battery cable. Oh, well. At least the coat didn't burn. Dis SHE appreciate your efforts to warm her? And it IS possible to get "new taillight lenses for less than a dumb reflector (OK, I've bid on them, just not won yet). I've picked up decent used lenses for under $30 on the Bay, planning ahead for disaster. Not perfect--may require a plastic splice from your old one, and checking out a thread recently on polishing plastic. (Yeah, requires patient waiting till one shows up--you might use some red plastic tape on the old one till then, or maybe someone following here will offer you an almost-OK one to fix up for small change.)
Q to BOXSTR: for those not already in the know, who and where is JLO? I put in JLO and auto parts and mostly got that hot latina singer. A little more info, please. I want a cable release, too.
Posted by: Bartlett 914 Feb 6 2007, 07:49 AM
I think I would have pulled the battery cable before I broke out a tail light. Just as fast and cheaper. Even cutting just the smaller red wires at the battery. This would have been enough.
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 6 2007, 07:56 AM
the coat is like those little tiny purses..
its a burberry peacoat ()
looks cheap but its a big fashion designer or something.
and i did disconect the battery, but as soon as i smelled smoke.
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 6 2007, 07:26 PM
i showed my psych teacher the damage today and he called my garage a "methlab".
so begins the cleanup..
Posted by: So.Cal.914 Feb 6 2007, 08:16 PM
DR914 what do those "ITALIAN CLEAR" tail lights look like?
I believe they look like a taillight lens but clear, but don't quote me on that
Posted by: rjames Feb 6 2007, 08:46 PM
i bought some ext. from wally world. it was working. i even duct taped them all together but i got one bolt out half way and THE WHOLE DAMN THING FELL A FUCKING PART.
so i give up on that. and start to mess with the wiring again.
Lo and Behold.
IT LIGHTS ON FIRE!!
Holy crap! I guess my suggestion was just too easy and wouldn't have been nearly as much fun.
Who would've thought one would need a fire extinguisher on hand just to open the trunk?!
Posted by: So.Cal.914 Feb 6 2007, 11:36 PM
Holy crap! I guess my suggestion was just too easy and wouldn't have been nearly as much fun.
Who would've thought one would need a fire extinguisher on hand just to open the trunk?!
That settles it, the fire system is going all the way to the trunk.
Posted by: boxstr Feb 6 2007, 11:43 PM
Pinetree, JLO resides at www.camp914.com
CCL
Posted by: John Feb 6 2007, 11:46 PM
I think I would have ripped the reflector off before destroying a tail light lens/housing.
Posted by: boxstr Feb 6 2007, 11:51 PM
Mrhurtalot, you have been such a great sport during this whole thing, send me your address and I am going to send you a tailight housing and lense.
Don't get any ideas here, you know who you are.
CCLINCAMPCURIOUS
Posted by: mikez Feb 6 2007, 11:59 PM
Not that there is ANYTHING wrong in a Man giving a gift to another Man....
Posted by: So.Cal.914 Feb 7 2007, 12:02 AM
Very Cool Craig.
Posted by: effutuo101 Feb 7 2007, 12:05 AM
I wish I had seen this earlier. my 70 had a small hole underneath the car that with a long skinny screwdriver you could reach the latch and bump it lose. I could reach it from by the rear license plate light. I am sorry to see the tail light broken. if you don't have a hole like I am talking about, maybe drilling one just in case you ever need to get in.
Posted by: wbergtho Feb 7 2007, 01:04 AM
What a fucking nightmare. Maybe hooking up a mechanical pull device or just drilling a hole and installing a stock OEM button latch sounds pretty good right about now? Jesus!
Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 7 2007, 01:15 AM
DR914 what do those "ITALIAN CLEAR" tail lights look like?
I believe they look like a taillight lens but clear, but don't quote me on that
I believe he now has an Italian "Soprano"
lense and it's very clear...
Posted by: mrhurtalot Feb 7 2007, 01:23 AM
i was going to install the ENGMAN rear trunk pull cable.
seems much more reliable.
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