Problem with my 914

[Skipshark]

Okay, I have a '75 914 2.0 that I'm restoring with my dad and there's only one slight glitch- I can't use the key to open the rear lid, because the lock is not working (along with the lock on the passenger-side door). My dad and I have tried everything we can think of that wouldn't damage the car, but nothing works. Do we need to call a locksmith to remove the tumbler or is there another way around this problem?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Open the engine lid. Pop out the two plastic cups (where the roof latches go when the roof is in the trunk). Shine a flashlight in the one, and start reaching into the other with every extension you own and every one you can borrow. I think the bolts on the latch reciever are 10mm, but they could be 13mm. I suggest taping the extensions together in case one lets go inside the trunk. Unbolt the reciever from the rear panel to open the trunk.

--DD

[Skipshark]

Thanks, we'll try that out and we really appreciate the help.

[lmcchesney]

Dave, are you describing, "Trans-anal resection of carcinoma in-situ"?
L. McC

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Just about...

(Punchline of an old joke--"You get an extra 50 points because you did it all through the tailpipe!")

Oh, and yes--opening the rear lid this way is a real pain, as implied by you.

I am told that, if you know what you're doing, you can also reach in with a long coat-hanger wire and push the actual latching part of the mechanism and release it.

--DD