i want to put a hatch release switch in my 91 rs...from what i saw the wires are already in the center console i just need to put in the switch. i have the switch and the release solenoid but im not sure how to put the solenoid in...anyone?

 

Hmm, that might be a good idea for us vert owners too as the switch is swapped out for a switch for the toneau. No wires in verts though as they utilized the same wires for the toneau solenoids.

 

You just need a relay, switch, and solenoid. Just unscrew the little black piece on the front of your pull down motor with the black wire coming out of it and going to the lock and screw the solenoid on in its place. Just run a wire from the trunk release switch to the solenoid and you should be good to go

 

82-89 hatch release switch: http://www.top-downsolutions.com/pro...roducts_id=157
90-91 hatch release switch: http://www.top-downsolutions.com/pro...roducts_id=156
86-91 hatch release solenoid: http://www.top-downsolutions.com/pro...roducts_id=105
86-91 hatch release relay: http://www.top-downsolutions.com/pro...roducts_id=154

Lon

 

You can get the relay from your local parts store for around $8. Its the same relay as the horn relay on our cars. Most parts stores recognize it as the horn relay. Here is one at AutoZone: http://www.autozone.com/R,APP1190670...ductDetail.htm. For everything else I would go with TDS

 

all the wiring for the relay, the relay itself, and the connectors for the switch is already in the car. Im just not sure where the green and brown wires go because i took out the panels in my trunk but i cant trace them

 

The only wire that runs to the hatch motor is a black one for the power to the solenoid. The other wires attached to the relay are for the switch. I'll take a look at mine tomorrow to see which wires go where exactly.

 

True, but don't forget about the black ground wire with ring terminals on each end. One end attaches to the 10mm screw that mounts the solenoid hatch release to the latch with the other end terminates at the ground location on the body below the pull-down unit. Otherwise the solenoid is electrically isolated from ground by the guides.

Lon

 

Top-down solutions sells relays for $14? Wow. Is that a sales price by any chance?
You can get relays cheaper even at RadioShaft (I think $5). 40A DPST.
I buy them usually in bulk and pay $1 per unit but at a regular store, you shoudn't pay more than $3 or $4 retail.

Anyway, on topic.
I installed a remote hatch pop on my vert. I had to buy the popper for the hatch and ran a wire from the trunk to the center console.
Then I tied the new relay and switch in the center console to the IGNITION circuit. Why? Because I don't want anybody just leaning over into the car and popping my trunk. I have to have the key on to do it (or press the 3rd button on my remote ).
Also, it's a GREAT safety feature to run the relay ground to the e-brake. If the ebrake isn't set, the trunk popper won't work. Also helpful. I don't want to be looking for the window switches in the dark on the highway and accidentally pop the trunk lid.

Hope this helps.
Lou

 

I installed a trunk release button from a Caprice in my center console to solve that problem of accidently tripping it.

Lon

 

so all i have to do is put the solenoid and the switch in and run a wire from the solenoid to the relay? where on the relay does the wire have to connect?

 

i want to add a power trunk to my 92 vert also so what do i need get to make that happen (didn't some of 91/92 f-body come with the power hatch before they turn the t-tops into verts?)

 

ive got everything in place but i cant get the solenoid to fit right...i have a 1991 rs and ivew heard the pulldown motor design was changed in the middle of that year...could i need the other solenoid?

 

This is my pull-down unit and the solenoid

 

the rest of the pics