J.P.G. Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 Hello All, I'm in dire need of some help, I've lost the only key I had for the original trunk lock on my 1946 P15 coupe, and it's locked. I need it open so I can get to the tool box and spare tire before a tour planned for this weekend. I've already had a locksmith look at it to try and impression the lock, and he says its too worn to make a key from it. I'm not sure what to do, does anyone have a similar experience and solution? Is there a way to open this thing from inside? That is, if I removed the back seat and got at it from inside the car, could I open it? I' willing to try anything short of drilling out the lock. Thanks very much in advance, and best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pflaming Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 Others will have to weigh in on this but I believe that a very good locksmith has a device that allows him to turn the tumblers up and open with that device, then he makes a key. Or: call a local gang member! Wish you well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 Find a new locksmith. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 It would be quite the challenge but it is technically accessible through the back seat. I don't think you could squeeze through the X brace and get into the trunk itself. Do you have a small mechanically inclined child handy or a lot of 1/4 in drive extensions? I believe there are 3 studs and then the outside piece comes off and you can unlatch it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 uneeda better locksmith. an experienced on with pic and tension tools should be able to get the tumblers aligned and opened. After you get the trunk opened you should be able to service the cylinder and get a new key cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDaddyO Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 Know any midgets? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pflaming Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 Find a long 1/4' rod, weld a socket on one end and a stub extension on the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 You don't need a key made, you don't need an impression made, you just need a locksmith (or burgler or anyone with experience) to put their little spring tool in there and rake the tumblers to open it. Making a key/replacing the tumbler etc is a whole different operation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 BigDaddyO, on 03 Nov 2014 - 3:21 PM, said:Know any midgets? and what follows is the wrath of the little people....they not to big on understanding that it takes time for change... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDaddyO Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 Aircraft manufacturers used to hire "little people" as riveters for working inside tail cones and such. That's all I meant, I don't want no wrath of the little people. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.P.G. Posted November 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 Thanks for the helpful responses, I really appreciate them. So, I've a follow-up question: Once the lock is in the open position, how do I remove the cylinder? I'm assuming there's a way to do this just like with the ignition cylinder? Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 "We represent the Lollipop Guild" in you are in "BIG" trouble Gulliver....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerseyHarold Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 As others have said, find another locksmith. Worn locks are even easier to pick than un-worn ones. Do you have other old keys laying around? Sometimes if they go into the lock you can wiggle them and get the lock to turn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 (edited) look for a small hole on the large lock housing...insert a straightened paper clip or other small stiff wire to depress the lock release..remember..the lock must be partially turned to the open position to allow this pin to retract into the space provided by the manufacturer...once removed you will see how easy it is to rekey these things.....about as easy as counting the number of licks to get to the center of ToosieRoll Pop...1,2,3..crunch Edited November 3, 2014 by Plymouthy Adams Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulu Posted November 3, 2014 Report Share Posted November 3, 2014 I managed to pick a door lock on my first attempt. I'd never ever picked a lock in my life. Just read the instructions. These locks are easy to pick and being worn makes it that much easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobT-47P15 Posted November 4, 2014 Report Share Posted November 4, 2014 (edited) Look on You Tube under lock picking .......... there are often tutorials on such things. I think what Ed was saying is.......if you can take the nuts off the studs that hold the handle/lock onto the lid........then you should be able to pull it straight out and the square shaft should come out of the latch. Then you should be able to turn that latch with a screw driver blade of appropriate width. Back side of a trunk latch........... Edited November 4, 2014 by BobT-47P15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted November 4, 2014 Report Share Posted November 4, 2014 What does this button have to do with the trunk latch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobT-47P15 Posted November 4, 2014 Report Share Posted November 4, 2014 Nuttin. It was just sitting there minding it's own bizness when the picture was taken. Probably bought the two items at a swap meet one time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted November 4, 2014 Report Share Posted November 4, 2014 Don Coatney, on 03 Nov 2014 - 11:08 PM, said: What does this button have to do with the trunk latch? stored in the same box.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casper50 Posted November 4, 2014 Report Share Posted November 4, 2014 operates the truck popper. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobT-47P15 Posted November 4, 2014 Report Share Posted November 4, 2014 If you can't get into the trunk any other way...........you might have to use Christopher's method. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulu Posted November 4, 2014 Report Share Posted November 4, 2014 (edited) That reminds me of the time I cut a microbus in half with a Skilsaw. LOL ................ I once locked my Edsel keys in the trunk & had to crawl through behind the seat into the trunk to get the keys back. It would have been a big PITA to take that lock apart from inside the trunk. Much easier to pick the lock. BTW, once you've successfully picked a lock, you'll have a much different view of your own security. I sure did. Edited November 4, 2014 by Ulu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted November 4, 2014 Report Share Posted November 4, 2014 lock are just to keep the honest man honest....a criminal is not deterred nor slowed on the average... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 If Chris had looked closer he might have noticed his trunk lid was in an undisclosed location.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcmiller Posted November 23, 2014 Report Share Posted November 23, 2014 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hoffman-1937-1942-Plymouth-Dodge-Chrysler-Desoto-Key-Coder-/331389034634?hash=item4d2853608a&item=331389034634&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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