I have a roller car and need to get the hatch open. I don't have the key either, which is a pain. I did a search and found that you can pop the hatch light out and pry it open. Well I don't have a hatch light either, this is a very base model firebird. Anyone have any ideas? I tried opening the hatch up by unbolting it, but that still didn't work. I also can't fold the plastic over to get behind it. I need those two pieces that are directly under the hatch latch.

 

Either break the lock out or drill it out.

 

dont know if this is any help but i would take the spare tire cover out then pry back the panel covering up the latch then try opening it.

 

A search on "can't open hatch" yielded this:

Sorry I'm too busy to re-post info that is already on this site.

Lon

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...ght=open+hatch

 

insert a screwdriver where the key goes... tap it in with a hammer.
use a pair of channel locks on the screwdriver and turn. you'll be bending the sheetmetal holding the lock still. (and breaking the lock)

keep turning clockwise.. eventually the cord wraps up on itself enough that it pulls and releases. this is destructive and will distroy the sheetmetal, lock, and latch release plastic piece, but it works.

 

The previous owner did that on mine, given the lock, latch release, and the sheetmetal around the lock were pretty tore up.

But ya, you'll have to destroy the lock to get to it.

 

Sorry, I skipped right over the lack of a hatch light part you posted previously. Cut out a hole where the hatch light normally is with a utility knife to expose the manual hatch release and proceed with the instructions I posted a link to. It is the easiest method and the least damaging. The interior hatch piece can be replaced a lot less expensively than destroying the lock and surrounding sheet metal.

Lon

 

Thanks guys.

 

Well since the screw driver technique didn't work for me I'll post what I did to finally get it open. I destroyed the lock, it was busted into many tiny pieces. I got the side panels off in the hatch, just not the back piece, but it was enough to unscrew the driver side taillight. Got that off, then pulled back the firebird emblem so I could get at the hatch lock from the outside. Then I pounded the rivets off that hold the lock into the sheet metal. Once the lock was out I could see the rectangled hole to stick a screw driver in and pop it open. Also found out it was a motor hatch

 

I also wanted to open hatch which did work afer a thief screw it up
(didnt use screwdriver, becouse I got a friend who can repair cylinder lock and I dont want to add another key).
After removing a light I found nothing that would look like the things you described... Heres a picture of whats there, any body can point me what to pull..?

 

Yours has a manual hatch release. That is the black thing you're seeing through the hole where the hatch light goes. In the upper right hand corner of it is a 10mm screw. That screw must be removed, then fiddle with the black box and you'll be able to remove it to the left side. Once removed you'll see a large square hole. Inside it is the lever that you'll press dowward and it will rotate CCW to pop the latch. If you'rs had a silver plated piece there, then it has a solenoid hatch release. Same instructions apply.

For the newer 1991-92 (with a tan-colored plastic frame) you'll see a small round black metal piece recessed within the metal frame with a small rectangular hole in it. Use a large flat-blade screwdriver in that hole and rotate CCW to release the latch.

Lon

 

I dont see any screw there. At a market pole there is a hole,
where maybe were a screw before? But the hole is not round..
And the box cannot be moved...
Should (or is) a screw be visible on a pictures I have put?

Also theres a hole on a upper left side which is very visible on pictures....

(Mine car is '88 between)

Opening is very importand becouse my car is to be painted. Its actualy at the painter right now, so we must open it :P

 

Not that slot. The screw to remove is 1.2" further right and .6" up from that slot.

Lon

 

I just bought a '91 roller to rob a door and fender off of and don't have the hatch key. I wrote doen the VIN and am going to see if the dealer will cut me a key. That way the cylinder doesn't get destroyed.