Hey guys, I'm new to the furom. I'm interested in purchasing a '72 Cutlass S, where the present owner say the trunk won't open. He believes the rod is out of place? I would like to have a look inside. Any thoughts on how I could get this open? Any help would be appreciated.

 

I went through the back seat to get at the latch mechanism. the seat literally clips into place. If you get a 7/16 socket on a long extension or two you can get to the bolts attaching the latch to the deck lid. There should only be three of them. you should have it open in under 30 minutes. Getting the seat out is a simple matter of pushing back on the seat bottom about 6 inches in from the side and lifting at the same time, you will feel it come free. do that on both sides and the base will slide right out. the back is a little trickier, there are three hooks that are running about 3' down from the package shelf you will have to do some fiddling to get the back free, but it does come free. On my parts car I gave the bottom a pretty good tug out and lifted it right out, but in the process I bent the hooks open farther than factory, if you choose to do it this way, be careful not to flex the hooks beyond repair, I was cutting the car apart, so was not concerned about fixing them. Hope this helps.

 

If the trunk isnt closed tight you might be able to pull the clip out that holds the lock in place. Once thats out just usse a screwdriver and pop it open. This is how I got into my 64 not sure if it will work with a 72 tho

 

Well from the way the car looks on the outside, I may have to take my chances on getting the trunk open...

 

Thats a beautiful car. What engine is in it??

 

When you get the seat out use a long flat screw driver put it in the slot where the rod goes & turn it

 

I'm going to look at it today. Pics are from when seller bought it last year. I'm assuming Rocket, but I don't have any casting numbers yet. Intake and carb have been removed, so I will have to tinker with it before buying. I'd hate to pay more for a car that is not running. Hoping to get a killer deal It's my first project, so I'm sure I will be here often asking questions....

 

Definitely take the rear seat bench and back out like others have suggested. Less than five minutes. You wanna make sure there's no dead body in there.

 

I figured I could gain access through there, I just wanted to ask the experts.... Hope to have a purchase this weekend...

 

Sweet!
The trunk should not be too bad for a car in that condition!

 

It is an Oldsmobile engine. That color looks like it would show a lot of dirt though. Reminds me of the colors used in street rods in the 80's.

I think that latch can be actuated with a small straight slot screwdriver blade, so if you have a way to make one long enough (four feet or so) and a good light you may not even have to find a small child or monkey to crawl through the hole behind the seat to do it.

 

Thats funny Oldsguy! I looked at the car today. Some minor rust on the mirrors and rear bumper. The frame is EXCELLENT! The only thing is it does not have the original bench, but what look to be late 90's Pontiac GP buckets. He has a lot of performance goodies he's offering up too. I'm just waiting for him you to talk it over with the old lady.

 

I would grab that car as fast as I could (if I had any money)

 

Just tell him it is his car! HE shouldn't have to ask the missus for permission to do something to HIS car. BTW, don't tell my wife I said this.

 

I think it was a 1970 that I used a 1/4" drive ratchet with the 4 feet of extensions and a 1/4" six point socket. I was able to fit the socket over the end of the rod from the trunk lock and rotate it, opening the trunk lid. I've bought a couple dead cars without trunk keys and I always wonder about that "dead body" that may be in there

John

 

 

Well looks like its a go. I was able to beat the seller down to a price I liked and will pick it up Sunday... The purchase include, Edelbrock intake and chrome valve covers, Edelbrock hydraulic cam and lifter set, Flowtech headers and a shift kit.... I'm looking forward to tinkering in the winter months...

 

 

csouth,

I for one, am anxious to hear what was in that trunk. Did you get the car? Did you get the trunk open? Post pics when you can!

 

Right, the trunk...lol No, I didn't pick it up yet. I'll get it towed home tomorrow. I did pick up all the new parts and he signed over the title. I will post pics as soon as I take them.

 

Quick question for anyone listening: Is anyone out there familiar with the Hotchkiss Performance brake kits? They use Delco Moraine 965 calipers. I found a set on ebay cheap, but it seams you need the Hotchkiss a-arms because it uses a tall 70's Camaro spindle. Can the spindle be swapped or should I try to get those a-arms? I knw they would only help the handling of my car int he long run...