I just bought one. Trunk doesn't have lock and no rod, just a hole where it used to be. Also it sat for 3 years. It's full of ants, spiders and snakes. I killed most of ants and spiders. Not sure where snakes are hiding yet, probably trunk😂. Any way to open trunk without going through backseat and snake surprise? Thanks all. - Snake (I know, I know)

 

Put a standard screwdriver in the hole. If you can get it in the lock slot where the rod would go you can turn it and release the latch. A good flashlight will help you see where the slot is.

 

Well there is nothing in the hole to connect to. I remember rebuilding one of these lock/latches before.. There was a metal rod that went down into the latch that the lack cylinder turned and actuated. There is nothing there. I just feel with my finger the notch where the rod goes into.. Maybe an angled screwdriver might fit in it??

 

Yes, attached are photos of the backside of that latch with the rod removed. If you put a standard blade screwdriver in this slot and turn it that should release the latch and open the trunk.

 

John - But, that hole with the latch can only be approached from the inside of the trunk. The OP doesn't want to remove the rear seat.

 

Norm, it goes all the way through. He can put a screwdriver into the lock hole and into this slot. This is the same slot that the rod that's attached to the lock goes through.

 

OK I will get a flashlight and try this early next week, Thanks for the tip.

 

Ah ha. Ok. Gotchya now. I thought I was missing something. So the lock cylinder/tumbler is missing, but the actual "latch" which accommodates the cylinder/tumbler is still present to accommodate a flat blade screwdriver. I think I'm following now.

 

Yes, if this latch assembly wasn't there it would have nothing to hold the trunk lid down. So my assumption is that it's just the lock and rod missing.

 

Guys, there is nothing that I can feel inside the hole, only towards the bottom of the hole can I feel a notch where I think that rod falls into.

 

Understand. I'm following now.

I wouldn't worry about a snake in the trunk. You can easily remove the two bolts (one on each side) holding the seat-back in place, raise and remove the seat-back. Any snake(s) in there are moving far to the rear of the trunk with all the clatter and it's not like a snake is just waiting for a 175lb meal to appear. Sorry, but I'd remove the back seat to gain some visualization so you can then see what's in the trunk.

 

Then it's time to pull the rear seat, get out a flashlight so you can crawl in, see the snakes and what's keeping the trunk lid down.

 

Yes, this sounds like the only answer is to get in through the back. I guess I'll use a pen camera first to make sure it's safe. Thanks to all

 

Only if you really want to pull the back seat out. Otherwise use a strong flashlight and look into the lock hole. If this latch assembly were not present, there would be nothing to hold the trunk lid down. Here's a few more photos.

 

If the car was sitting outdoors in the sun in this recent weather, any snakes remaining in the trunk are "toast".

 

Excellent photos, John.

 

Shine a flashlight beam thru the trunk lock hole. you should see a vertical slot like the one below. Stick you long blade screw driver in this slot and turn clockwise to release trunk latch

 

John, wow thanks for that great photo, I see now how far that latch is, and there is no way I could have touched it with my finger. I bet it's there farther in and you all are right about if it's gone, then it doesn't latch and hold trunk down.

on another note I cannot get the passenger side door open from either the inside or the outside and the lock rod and tip is gone so could a locksmith come and open it?

 

I would try a tow truck driver with a slim jim to try opening it. Since the lock rod isn't visible I hope its not missing parts a slim jim would use. Removing the door panel with the door closed and seat in place would be a real pain.

 

OK, will try the slim Jim route. Thanks.

 

How come we havent discussed what kind of snakes there might be?

 

Probably copperheads according to the skin pattern on the shredded skin
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That could put a damper in your day.
Careful under dash and seats

 

Copperheads can be aggressive. I think I would do what has been suggested with a long screw driver to open the trunk.

 

You're all missing the obvious - just have Spritle and Chim Chim pop it from the inside...

 

🤣🤣🤣 That was great!!!

 

I’m surprised there’s not any mice, must be food for the snakes to survive, good way to keep mice out!

 

I got the trunk open today the screwdriver did the trick and yes there were snakeskins but no there were no snakes thank goodness trunk is a little rusted through and the word of course tons of ants but all in all I'm happy. Thanks for everybody's help