Hi-- this parts is probably a B--tch to find, but I am looking for the trunk lock cylinder and metal connecting arm made specifically for 68-69 Cutlass-442 with vacuum-operated power trunk option.
I have the rest of the system, except that I need the special lock arm that has a little ball clutch on the arm to enable the trunklid to be unlocked by a key or by vacuum power.

Anybody got anything? Thanks!

203-272-7103
ros6872@hotmail.com

 

Hi. I have the cylinder and rod from a big olds. You may be able to adapt it. I can send pics to your email. mrbuick65@rogers.com
John

 

i know a guy that tried that but he said he couldn't get it to work. the one he tried it with was from a 66 98. you may have better luck but they are much differant. i don't mean to stop your sale but just wanted to add what i know.

 

I put a vacuum trunk release in a 65 Skylark. I had the lock shaft from a big Buick that was too long. I cut it and drilled and tapped 2 4-40 holes and fastened it to make it shorter. It`s been working for 10 years.
John

 

We just spent hours on my friend's '69 H/O trying to figure out why his vacuum trunk release wasn't working! I said there must be a specific latch assy for this because the vacuum is being held back by the latch not allowing movement unless the key is in the lock cylinder. I said there got to be a special latch to allow for this (hence my finding this post in searching for an answer) Now that I know his was replaced at some point with a non-vacuum style I guess our hopes for finding a correct '68-'69 vacuum style are pretty remote?

 

I finally found one for my '68 after 11 years of searching. I've tried ones from other years/cars, but nothing matched up. I was looking at having a piece welded to a shorter one that I have, and at Homecoming this year I found the correct one at the swap meet. It was like a miracle. Good luck in your search.

 

Thanks Alan. I'll add it to our list of impossible parts to find (Cruise control lever, NK4 steering wheel center cap, Vacuum release latch assy, etc.)

 

I'm wondering if a good locksmith would have one. I got one at a locksmith about 20 years ago. The piece I think you are talking about is the extended flat connecting arm that runs from the back side of the lock (ball clutch fits into the lock), through the latch and into the slot on the vacuum-operated switch.

Randy C.

 

Yes-- the linkage that goes from the outside lock to the latch mechanism has a mechanical ball clutch. It allows the vacuum motor to turn the latch without moving the outside lock