Balky Trunk Lid Release
 

Hello -

When I tried opening my '67's trunk lid last nite, nothing happened. The knob 'felt' normal as I pulled it, but the lid didn't pop up any. After several failed attempts, I got my wife to pull the knob while I gently pulled the lid up. Success!

Wondering whether there's an adjustment to the latch mechanism to correct this? This experience also makes me wonder what happens if the 'pull' ever breaks? Is there an alternate means of releasing the latch?

Best Regards, Bob

Bob,
If you look at the mechanism closely you will see it is adjustable. Typically they just need to be cleaned up and maybe a little WD-40 to free things up.
When I added a whale tail to my '85 I changed the compression spring around the latch pin. The tail adds more weight so the spring wasn't strong enough. With the stronger spring the lid pops up nicely when I pull the release.
The trick when doing this is to carefully align the latch pin with the latch so it doesn't trap itself.

Spring Preload Adjustment
 

Thanks 2.7Racer.

My car is a bare metal restoration completed about 2 years ago. The entire latch and striker mechanisms appear new. In looking at the latch pin / spring it appears the depth and / or position of the pin are adjustable. But I don't see a separate means of adjusting the spring preload short of putting a washer (shim) underneath. Is that what you're suggesting or is there another way to adjust that I'm missing? Maybe I should try replacing the spring??

Sorry to be such a 'weenie' about this, but I have visions of closing the lid not being able to open it without taking some rather drastic measures.....

Best Regards,
Bob

Bob,
If you think more spring would help, I would get a stiffer spring from the local hardware store. Take the original with and you should find something suitable.
I changed mine because, as I mentioned before, I added a whale tail with the additional 20 pounds. The original spring wasn't strong enough to pop up the lid.
Your vision of the latch locking the lid is real. Just make sure, as it approaches the latch position, the pin is centered with the latch hole. I used a strong flashlight to see and carefully set this.
Please post some pictures of your '67 when you have time. Those long hoods are classics.
Good Luck,

'67S Photo
 

Front View...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1130550596.jpg

Rear
 

Rear...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1130550971.jpg

Interior
 

Interior...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1130551370.jpg

Very nice. There is just something about the clean lines of the early cars. Thanks for the pic's.

Wow, what a beautiful car.