Heya guys, Got a question I need some help with. The 68 Cutlass Convertible im working on at the minute came to me with the trunk lock missing. The catch is in place and you need to use a screwdriver to pop the trunk.


I have all the pieces (or at least I think I do) to install the lock now. I have a lock barrel, a seal, a new key, the lock retainer and the metal rod that goes between the lock and the catch. The problem is the lock and the catch don't line up straight and the rod that goes between them both is straight. The trunk lid has had a lot of work done in the past, is full of bondo and fibreglass and been chopped about but looking at this area it appears to be roughly the correct shape.


Am I missing something? Do I have the wrong rod? Can someone whos lock set up works correctly post some pictures of how theres is set up and how the catch mounts to the trunk lid, showing the angle its at. Im afraid something may be very out of shape on this trunk lid.


Many thanks in advance.


Chris.

 

I had the same issue with the replacement lock I bought. The rod on my original has more of a pronounced angle to it. I ended up using the old rod with the new lock. Sounds like you're gonna have to find an original or modify the straight one.

 

Yeah I figured I may have to cut and bend and re-weld the rod to a different angle to make it work. Do you have any photos of your one so I can see how it should look?

 

It is installed. Anyone else have one that could take a pic and help Chris out?

 

Hi Chris
I pulled the lock from a project car and here's some pictures of it. The rod looks to be 3 1/2" long and has a bend to the side right where it meets the lock. I'm also including a picture with a couple other years of rods. You may want to create a parts wanted thread to see if anyone has an extra laying around. Otherwise, it may be tricky to modify one from a different year to work with this. Also, if your car has the remote trunk release in the glove box it will have a different rod than this. It has to be longer and I believe its actually got a ball and socket fitting in it. Let me know if you have any questions or would like to see any other photos. John

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Wow that's absolutely perfect. Just what I needed. The one I was given is just a straight rod. I'll see if I can make it into that shape with some cutting and welding. If not I'll ask the customer to search for the correct one.

Many thanks for everyone's help

Chris.

 

The metal is maleable, you should be able to just bend it if you take it slow.

 

Even better, thanks!