I bought this notchback GTA last month and I'm just now getting around to the restoration on it. As all notchbacks the paint is peeling from the fiberglass on the rear hatch. Figured I take it off, reseal the fiberglass and repaint it factory color. Only problem is the lock won't turn, the electric opening won't engage, and unlike the regular hatch there is no room between the hatch and the trunk carpet to get into the hatch to disassemble it from the inside.

Any suggestions?

 

You wouldn't be able to get a regular hatch open from the inside without breaking some of the plastic trim :/
My only idea is to loosen the strut mounts and hinge bolts, which means loosening the headliner and trim and perhaps you can then angle the lid up enough to get somewhere with the trim in the back.
Thinking of it... the only other way would be to drill out the lock and somehow get a grip of the wire behind it and pull the release open.

 

Locksmith!

 

Drilling it out will definetly be last resort. I figured someone was gonna suggest a locksmith, guess ill see where that option gets me. thanks.

 

get a pick set these hatch locks are retardedly simple to pick...i lock my keys in it enitirely too often...my son thinks its funny to throw my keys in and lock the doors...

 

x2

 

Check your fuses and then I agree...locksmith

 

By the time you figure in replacing what you damage trying to do it yourself, you will be money ahead to go for a locksmith. Only other possible option I see with no damage is trying to remove the lock cylinder retainer clip through the cargo light hole if you have one.

 

Ok I just had a same problem my lock was frozen up I spayed pb blaster in it and let it sit for 30min and managed to get it to open

 

Can you lift the hatch enough and wedge it open, then slip in a hacksaw blade and cut off the hatch hook? The hatch hook would be simple to replace from any coupe at a pick-a-part yard.

Lon

 

So the actuator trigger popped off on my pull down unit. I had to crawl through the back into the trunk with a dremel and cut the back plastic plate to get to it. Huge nightmare, I wouldn't suggest it unless there was no other way. Since there is no direct link between the tumbler and the actual locking mechanism, if that is what happened to you then best of luck to you.