Broken Trunk latch Help???

[Justin Slingsby]

For some reason something broke inside my trunk latch tonight. I can lock it and the handle won't spin but if I unlock it to open my trunk I can spin it like a propeller. It won't disengage the release. How the heck am I gonna get into my trunk???

Can I pull out the tumbler? I see a little hole that might be a release hole to pull my tumbler out. If I pull the tumbler I think I might just cut the handle off if there is no other remedy. Nuts...

[RobertKB]

You might be able to get into the trunk if you remove the back seat. If you can't get in because of stuff in the way, with a long philips screwdriver you should be able to remove the four bolts that hold the latch in place. They go into caged nuts that don't have to be held and so the bolts should remove easily. You might have to remove the cardboard that is between the trunk and the back seat but this can be done fairly easily from inside the car.

If you need a latch, I am sure I have a spare in my collection of odd ball parts, so PM or email me.

[BobT-47P15]

Robert, would the latch be the same on this car as a P15?

[RobertKB]

Bob, I am not sure but looking at how much lower the handle is on the trunk than on a P15, I very much doubt it. Not sure but doubt it.

[BobT-47P15]

Don't know if this will help, but the latch on a P15 trunk looks like this...

Probably something a bit similar in yours.

Here's the actual underside inside of the latch..........

Edited May 7, 2010 by BobT-47P15

[BobT-47P15]

Here are a couple pics of 51-52 Plymouth trunk latch from ebay.....

Looks like the latch attaches to the lid with three screws. Isn't that a business coupe, which had

access to the trunk for salesmens samples, etc? Can you crawl back into the trunk by moving the

panel behind the front seat?

Edited May 7, 2010 by BobT-47P15

[RobertKB]

Justin, I though you had a P15 and realize now looking at your profile that you do not. The latch I mentioned was for a P15 and will not work for your car. Sorry for any confusion.

[Young Ed]

FYI that latch on ebay listed as 51-52 should only fit one or the other. 51 uses the type like the p15 where you shut the lid and then turn the handle back. 52s started the spring loaded type where the handle opens it and you just shut it to shut it.

[Justin Slingsby]

Yeah I am sorry for the confusion. P-20 all I want is to remove the tumbler. I have working keys. it looks like I will be sawing the handle off.. Nuts my handle is in good shape. I can remove my bulkhead panel but I don't think that is going to do my any good. These trunks are long!!!

My latch has two splaying "fingers" that extend and lock into a pad when the lever is turned. I am not really sure what broke. I am pretty sure it isn't the tumbler because I can still lock the handle...

[Young Ed]

I think what they were saying is to try and crawl into the trunk. Is there a divider welded in there that isn't removable? Got a small kid available that is good with a screw driver? I dont think sawing the handle off is going to get you anywere except a wrecked handle. It seems unlikely that the square drive of either the handle or latch broke. I would suspect something else is broken.

[Justin Slingsby]

I don't wanna saw the handle off either but I gotta get in the trunk again someday. I will pull my interior panels and see what I can do.

[Plymouthy Adams]

if your key turns..you should be able to turn it about 1/4 turn to open..look for the small hole in the lock housing..insert a straightened paperclip and depress the lock pin (at 1/4 turn it is off high cam and will retract)..slip the tumbler and key out of the housing..

I am not sure once this is removed there will be anything that will help you there unless the tang on the lock cylinder itself could be broken causing a jamb of the unit..

[Justin Slingsby]

I got it!

Through a series of socket wrench extensions I reached through the bulkhead for the trunk and unbolted the outside handle. I removed the handle and found that the rod that slides through the latch and into the outside handle had become disengaged. I put that back into the handle and with a couple of loving taps with a pointed punch I was able to secure it in place..

I am glad I didn't saw my handle off.

I am however wondering if it was a good idea to hang a chicken foot from my rear-view.

[Plymouthy Adams]

less obstructive than the whole chicken..!

[BobT-47P15]

What would that chicken foot mean if you were down in Louisiana......a

mojo deal?

[Justin Slingsby]

I am not sure what it means either the girlfriend thinks I jinxed the car...

Hey back on topic. Where can I find the rubber pad that goes in between the outter trunk handle and trunk? I can't find one in either Bernbaum or Roberts.

Any other sources?

[Frank M.]

Try Steele Rubber Co. in Denver N.C. Dont have their PH.no. on hand,but they are VERY good. If I find the no., Ill post back. Frank M.

[BobT-47P15]

Then, if problems continue to occur - remove chicken foot and see if

problems decrease. Not exactly scientific, but strange things happen

sometimes.

[Niel Hoback]

Very important question; would that be a left foot or a right foot?

[Andydodge]

I'm hungry..........is the foot cooked?........can you put some sauce on it & post it to me?..........yum..............chicken foot.........lol.............andyd

[Niel Hoback]

Indiana is the largest shipper of chicken feet. They go to the Orient. Can you imagine a more disgusting shipment? What a great job packing chicken feet must be.

[Don Coatney]

Indiana is the largest shipper of chicken feet. They go to the Orient. Can you imagine a more disgusting shipment? What a great job packing chicken feet must be.

Having worked in a poultry killing/processing plant in California (absolute worst job I ever had in my life) I am not sure Indiana is the leader in chicken feet shipping. The company I worked for spent big bucks setting up a "paws" line. The chicken feet were diverted from the normal line where chicken lips, chicken foreskin, and other such pieces normally go for (sling blade) potted meat consumsion. This new "paws" line was given special treatment as the feet were washed and sanitized, boxed with care, and sent to the orient. Rumor is there are enlightened sexual powers from these paws. How does my home State Indiana do it?

[Frank Elder]

I'm hungry..........is the foot cooked?........can you put some sauce on it & post it to me?..........yum..............chicken foot.........lol.............andyd

You guys could ask Mackster:D:DI bet he has had a few in his caldo/soup.....Hispanic Delight:eek:

[Niel Hoback]

Don, I have no idea how its done, nor do i want to know. One of my daughters-in-law, whom I trust, told me that fact the last time I saw her. She's usually pretty knowedgable about stuff so I automatically believe her. Thats because she's way smarter than me too. Anyway, She spent a year in Taiwan teaching English and claimed that the Chinese consider them a delicacy, especially if they are American chicken feet. Ha.

Where did this thread start? And how far off track can it get?

[Justin Slingsby]

Oh yeah I carpool with a fella whose wife is Thai and she loves em. Me I got mine at a Deadbolt concert. It is supposed to chockful with voodoo goodyness. My son liked it so I hung it on the mirror. I think it is a left foot as it has left the body of the chicken.... nyuck nyuck nyuck...