71 Cutlass Ragtop

We just picked up the deck lid from the paint shop. While we were aligning the fit and we closed the trunk we could not open it again. The key turns, but it will not unlatch. I'm not sure if it makes more sense to try and remove the rear seat or just keep trying to work the lock. This is a convertible if that helps out. Thanks, everyone!

2blu442

I've never done this in a convertible, but I have pulled the rear seat in a hardtop and using about 4 feet of extensions removed the bolts that hold the latch to the trunk floor. I've found that's the easiest way to open the trunk without a key or a latch with problems.

It could be that the latch isn't properly aligned so its not releasing. Or the rod from the lock to the latch may not be in place, that would disconnect the lock from the latch.

Good Luck and let us know how it works out.


John

71 Cutlass Ragtop

This deck lid has become one thing after another. I'll see if I can't get the rear seat out and reach the bolts........Thanks, John!

Kennybill

I've drilled them from the outside. Mask of around the lock, overkill is good. I started with a small bit moving up to a larger. The cover will pretty much fall apart. Screwdriver will turn it open. Spring clip holds the lock assembly in place. Rock Auto sells lock assembly cheap. Good luck, Ken

CRUZN 66

If you can't feel any tension on the key as you turn it, most likely the rod has become detached from the lock cylinder..... If you do feel tension try pushing down and/or pulling up on the lid, that may release the latch if it is only stuck.....

mrolds69

x2 what cruzn66 said. Turn key and see if you can pull it up.

71 Cutlass Ragtop

I finally managed to open the trunk. After getting the rear seat out and removing a speaker I was able to use a four foot broom stick with a flashlight and a screwdriver taped to the end of the stick to open the trunk. I have attached a picture of the rear support with something in the center of the picture that I do not recognize. Does anyone know what this is? Thanks again for everyone's help!

don71

Glad you got it open.

That thing is called a stand pipe...It allows fuel vapors to return to a liquid and back to the tank. Its part of the emissions equipment.

MDchanic

That's the fuel evaporation standpipe.

- Eric

edit: You beat me, Don!

Allan R

As others have mentioned. Whatever you do, don't unbolt this. It's got 4 hose connections on the bottom of the kick up panel. 3 of them are attached to the fuel tank, one is attached to the emissions line. Here's a picture of it from the bottom

71 Cutlass Ragtop

Cool, once again, "Thanks!"