Cadillac

Woo hoo! New trunk struts for the vert!

WTF? I can't open my trunk lid. The key just doesn't turn and pop like it used to. Reminds me of when I couldn't turn the car off when the ignition key tumbler simply wore out.

Is this the same? How do I open the trunk? Yes, I searched the forum.

CharcoalBird

iTrader: (4)

Have you tried pushing down on the trunk and then turn the key? Just a thought, new vert owner here.

LAFireboyd

iTrader: (3)

You've sprayed inside the lock and/or tried every other manual means you can think of to get it open? You could drive to a locksmith. Or you can remove the lock. Nice to have a new lock on hand before you attempt to open the lid, or you'll have to go through the motions again later. Or maybe the lock will be repairable.

I changed a trunk lock on a Firebird 'vert about 14 years ago. Getting the lid open only takes a few minutes, but it ain't easy! And if the struts are shot, then a helper will be helpful. BTW, Firebird trunk locks install differently than Camaro trunk locks. Camaro locks are secured by a simple clip; Firebird locks are riveted in place. Thought I'd mention that because Camaro owners might chime in and say, "just slip the clip off of the back of the lock, and remove the lock." Nope. Ok, moving on...

Rear seatbacks laid down, roof top UP. Maneuver as much of yourself as you can beneath the roof structure to reach the rear trim panel, passenger side. You won't be able to remove the trim panel, but you will be able to pull/curl the passenger side of it back far enough(a lot) to get your arm behind it to grip the manual release cable. The cable's insulation will be smooth, so gloves with a good grip will help. Pull the cable, not back toward you, but laterally, sideways, toward the passenger side quarter, until the trunk lid POPS. Then your helper outside can raise the lid. Back yourself out of there, or have someone pull you out by your feet lol. The trim panel will pop back, so no worries about that. Once outside, with the lid open, change the struts, then you can work without a helper. Remove the trim panel and get to work.

In a normal 3rdgen, a helper isn't as important, because once you pop the hatch, you can raise yourself up, your back against the glass and raise the hatch. You can't do that in a 'vert, because you'll be stuck beneath the roof's structural elements.

And have someone record it, because it could be hugely entertaining!

To change the lock, remove the taillight filler panel, drill the centers out the pop rivets that secure the current lock. Pop the cable off of the backside of the lock. Remove the lock, repair, if possible, or replace. To secure the new lock, nuts-and-bolts will be removeable by vandals, so you can either use pop rivets, or, I used "security" torx bolts. They feature a stud down in the head that prevents normal bits from fitting into the head, so it will take a special type of torx bit to install and remove it. Not likely vandals' tool boxes will contain one, let alone one in that size.

But like every task, there is always more than one way to do it. So someone might offer a different way. Or you might come up with one yourself.

my82roc

iTrader: (101)

Easier if you have a rear cargo light.Pop the lens out,stick your finger into the passenger side of the hole and tug on the release cable.Latch should pop without a problem.I’ve actually done this on a 91 rs junkyard convertible along with many others

Cadillac

Dude, I missed you.

Thanks!

LAFireboyd

iTrader: (3)

LOL I almost began my post with, "Hey! You and your convertible still exist!"

There was a 3rdgen dismantler in SoCal, House of Camaro, Tom was the owner. This was just before he sold the business, after which it disappeared. I miss Tom, he was awesome! Needed a new trunk lock, and he had a full set for a Firebird(doors, rear cargo compartment and trunk). He said this was the way to do it, so while I was there, we did it, him outside to lift the lid after I popped it, me wedged inside trying to reach the cable. It was HOT in the back of the car, which added to the entertainment value! I'm glad we didn't record it! So a glove with a gripping texture will make it easy.

Or you could try what my82roc suggested. I just looked at my car, and I don't see how you can reach the cable through the tiny hole of the cargo light lens, especially with the hatch release assembly in the way, but he said he did it in a junkyard 'vert. Nice thing about junkyard cars, though, better to break something there, than on your own car, where breakage matters.

my82roc

iTrader: (101)

I use to buy parts from Tom at house of camaro.He always had quality used parts at very decent prices.I was sorry when he sold the business.
Trust me there is enough room to get your finger inside the light housing to tug the cable.The cable is located facing the inside of the car so it is accessible.If not you could always stick a long flat blade screwdriver inside and try to turn the latch mechanism.