Help! How do I open the trunk and Hood on a 356?

[VinnyC]

Help!
I just aquired my first 356 - A real Newbie to cars of this vintage and I have a really DUMB question...
How do I open the trunk lid and front hood????

I'm turning and pulling what I believe to be the correct things ...but rust, wear or age must be preventing them from opening.

Before I break them even further, can someone give me a quick lesson?
Thanks!

[ArcticOne]

356Registry forums will help out lots with your question.

Either post there or search their forums as this has been discussed lots.

jb

[billytan]

Left hand corner, under the dash, at about knee level is a large knob, pointing directly forwards (if you have a 356A, there is a similar knob just ahead of the front edge of the door, that's not IT. that opens the ventilation vents, it faces more leftwards than forwards.)
Pull that, it should move back about an inch or so. If the front hood does not open, get someone to give it an upwards pull on the hood handle. Most would open. Still doesnt, check below the left front fender just behind the headlamps, most cars would have an emergency wire rigged up to open the hood in case the cable that opens from within the car snaps. (356Cs have a locking mechanism that automatically opens when that cable snaps, brilliant design).
To open the engine lid, a similar knob facing rearwards situated in a metal tube that runs along the left side of the left rear seat. Again if it doesnt open, get someone to help yank it upwards by lifting on the ventillation grills. If it still refuses to open, the grills can be removed by removing the screws that hold it to the opening. The locking mechanism can then be accessed.
Did you look at the engine bay and check the battery box floor for rust before you bought the car? If you did, then it must be be able to be opened.
Let me know if you still do not suceed.
Billy.
What model 356 do you have?

[VinnyC]

Originally Posted by billytan

Left hand corner, under the dash, at about knee level is a large knob, pointing directly forwards (if you have a 356A, there is a similar knob just ahead of the front edge of the door, that's not IT. that opens the ventilation vents, it faces more leftwards than forwards.)
Pull that, it should move back about an inch or so. If the front hood does not open, get someone to give it an upwards pull on the hood handle. Most would open. Still doesnt, check below the left front fender just behind the headlamps, most cars would have an emergency wire rigged up to open the hood in case the cable that opens from within the car snaps. (356Cs have a locking mechanism that automatically opens when that cable snaps, brilliant design).
To open the engine lid, a similar knob facing rearwards situated in a metal tube that runs along the left side of the left rear seat. Again if it doesnt open, get someone to help yank it upwards by lifting on the ventillation grills. If it still refuses to open, the grills can be removed by removing the screws that hold it to the opening. The locking mechanism can then be accessed.
Did you look at the engine bay and check the battery box floor for rust before you bought the car? If you did, then it must be be able to be opened.
Let me know if you still do not suceed.
Billy.
What model 356 do you have?

Billy-
thanks for the Help! I did not inspect the trunk before purchase...because I could not get it open. From looking underneath- it was obivious that it was rotted through - and I bought it anyway...

The mechanism must be rusted shut, because That is what I tried.
I also tried a lever under the dash below the steering column which I thought was a parking brake.
Moving to PLAN B...

PS Need a '61 owners manual...... anyone?

[billytan]

Dear Vinny,
Front Hood: If battery floor is rotten and you are going to rebuild, then you could cut out the rotten floor and gain access to the locking mechanism from below.The cable comes from the left side and pull on a system of levers that looks like a diamond within a square. To the right of this is a round opening with a 2 catches coming from the side. This catches onto the head of the pin attached to the hood. There is a spring on the pin that supposed to push upwards and release the pin head from the catch when the cable is pulled. With a strong screw driver, try and push the diamond shaped levers withing the square to the left (of the car) as the cable wud have pulled it. Again get someone to pull the bonnet handle upwards. Spray plenty of lubricant into the levers, pin-head and catches and it shud open.
REAR HOOD: Remove the grills, try to see if the levers can be pushed to the left of the car. Otherwise undo the latch thats attached to the hood, it's held by two bolts. If you cant picture what needs to be done, let me know and I will take a photo this evening and email you. Sorry its 9 am where I am and I am at work. Good luck, Billy.