howdy guys,

i need some more help to get the rear hatch lock out on my 84 Trans Am. i took off all the rear hatch panels and have the tail light assembly out, but how the hell do i get the actual lock cylinder out? it looks like its attached using soem kinda thing similar to a rivet, ie no screws or bolts. i went to the library and got the chiltons maunal for 82-92 firebirds and it says nothing about replacing the hatch lock cylinder (although it does say something about remving the door panels and replacing the door locks). i dont have the power hatch pull down unit, but i do have the power hatch release, ie you press a button inside the car and the hatch releases. any ideas or suggestions to get the lock cylinder out?
cause i am stumped and i have never done this before.

thanks again

 

you're going to have to forgive my computer drawing skills, but the lock should be held in by a U-shaped clip.

 

hmmm...there is no clip like that on mine. i will try to get some pics of the assembly. the lock cylinder is attached by two rivet like things on either side of it. unfortunately its hard for me to explain. thanks for the help.

 

Well I have 85 Zz8. I locked my keys in the car. I needed to replace locks anyways. So I took a drill and bit cored out the lock.
Then with a little work it came right out. This did not mess anything up, that I could tell. Just don't slip with the drill. Re you might be doing some touchup.

 

I drilled out my 86 rear lock the same way. I then replaced the lock w/an old one I had w/some screws and silicone(so it won't leak) It's held up pretty good--so far. Or instead of screws-you can use bigger rivets--for that factory look.

 

thanks for the tip Tonyrodz, i was thinking i might have to drill the rivets out, but i just wanted to make sure i wasnt missing anything. thanks for the help.

 

No problem. just make sure when you replace the rivets that you dab some silicone in there--so it won't leak.