Does anyone have (or know of) a convertible, with out pull down, that has electric trunk release? I am looking to add the release to my 92 bird vert without the in dash switch. Since it is a vert I don't want anyone to reach in and hit switch and get in trunk. I have remote entry/start and can hook up to it and be able to release lid without key on.

Thanks in advance,
Dean

 

They convertibles didn't come stock with a trunk release. They had the toneau release instead. But you can easily add one just as I did. I picked up a trunk release button from a mid 80's Caprice to my Camaro convertible. The trunk release button on teh Caprice was in the glove compartment. I installed it into my center console. I added stock wiring and relay from another car and added the solenoid release from a coupe. You simply remove one 10mm bolt and install it in place of the non solenoid release on your car. It is out of sight from prying eyes, but easily accessible when needed.

Sorry, I just realized that you have the 2nd design trunk latch (91-1/2-92). I'm not familiar with how that realeases.

Lon

 

Thanks Lon for the reply. Is it possible to switch to the pre-91 1/2 release? Is it release only (no pulldown)? Mine doesn't have the opening in it that the "tab" on the coupe release goes through.

Hope that makes since, sounds confusing.

I like the idea about putting the switch in the console Thanks.

FYI - your link in your sig seems to be broken.

BTW - the Flip Rods I goy from you back in April are great.

Thanks Lon,
Dean Miller

 

First off, anything is "possible" if you put enough work and money into it. The 1982-85, 1986-91 (first design) and 1991 (2nd design) - 92 ALL have different mount patterns to attach the latch unit to the body. If you are dead-set against using a hatch pul-down unit, then you are looking at converting to a pre '86 style slam latch unit. These were available with a hatch release solenoid. You would have to swap the square shaped stamped steel latch (or in your case trunk) hook to the old style (1982-91) round style one. This would also involve either modifying or replacing the lower trunk trim piece with an early style. Some of the early slam latches had an orienting pin incorporated to help align the hatch. Being yours is a trunk it probably isn't needed. The hardest part would be custom fabricating a mounting bracket. I have an example of an early slam latch with solenoid release. I can e-mail you a picture so you know what you are looking for. Attach the new (old style) loop to the inner trunk lid, then locate the latch and solenoid in the rear of the trunk to determine how to mount it. Bend some sheet metal brackets and use panel adhesive along with sheet metal screws or Pop-Rivets to attach it. Then run the wiring, switch and relay. Anything is possible as I said before. But it isn't a direct drop-in replacement by any means.

Lon