Car has been sitting for a while and the trunk key just flat won't turn at all. I'm about to take a pry bar to it! Short of calling a locksmith, how can I break into my own trunk?

Take out the back seat. Reach in with some long extensions and unbolt the lock mechanism.

Remove the back seat and crawl into the trunk. (Take a flashlight with you.)

You can get it open by removing the lock retainer and turning the pawl by hand (or with a pair of pliers).

Ed

Or reach with a long screwdriver. You can see a slot in the back of the assembly.

If you do go into the trunk, have someone on the outside with you who knows you are in there. Or bring your cell phone with you.

;)

alan

Before pulling the back seat...sray a bit of crc into the lock and onto the key, wiggle around, leave for an hr then have another go
Dont force the key

Like above. a flat head screw driver bit in a 1/4 " drive ratchet with a couple long extensions...on the back of the latch inside, u will see a slot...put the screwdriver bit into it turn and open.

u are sure its the latch/key and not the rubber seal sticking to the lid after all this time...not uncommon

Marty follow the advice of those regarding using a tool to reach the latch mechanism and either turn it or unbolt it. There is no way a person can fit through the cross bracing behind the seat into the trunk like some have suggested. You have enough of an opening to get your arm inside, up to your shoulder. Unless a 69 is significantly different from a 68. It's been a while since I'e had the seat out or looked in the trunk of a 69. Can't imagine they are different.

There is no way a person can fit through the cross bracing behind the seat into the trunk like some have suggested.

I disagree. I've done it several times in my life.

Ed

Is this the same Ed who used to go by the nickname "Houdini"?

l:)l:)

alan

I disagree. I've done it several times in my life.

Ed
You must be very thin, a contortionist, and not claustrophobic to get in that way!
http://www.carsbyjim.com/storage/Interior/rearseatboltholes.JPG

Yeah I wouldn't want to crawl in that way, especially not being able to get the trunk open, I'd get stuck for sure!

I only weigh 150LBS, so maybe that's why?? But yes, I have done it several times in my life, so I know it's possible. Yeah, a tight fit and maybe not for Oliver Hardy, but certainly for Stan Laruel!!

Ed

Just do it like prostreet said. Two long extensions with a 7/16 socket on the end. Reach through the seat opening and remove the two upper bolts. Trunk lid comes open. I did it in about 3 minutes. Dennis

The tumblers in the lock cylinder are stuck!.....Just spray some WD40 into the key hole, it will eventually free up the stuck tumblers.

Ed I'm 6-1 and 235 pounds. I'm also the smallest and shortest in my family. It does look though like someone thin enough could squeeze through there, so I stand corrected. After looking at the pic James so nicely posted I thought of another option. Most of us have a kid or know of one that would easily fit through the opening and I don't think it would be putting them at any kind of risk to do so. Maybe give them a few bucks for helping out.

Or, you could always rent a midget at the local "rent a midget" store, if no kids are available!:yes::hurray::thumbsup:

just drill out the old lock cyliner its aluminum or something. i did it to my 68 firebird took 2 seconds and i was going to replace the locks anyway

Suggestion: I've got a '69 Z28/RS which has sat in my garage for 28 yrs.. Every few years, I forget what I have in the trunk and have to look.... :) and it also is difficult. I've been able to get mine to open if I *push* down on the trunk lid at the lock location while trying to turn the key.... Do that along with the crc/wd40 spray suggestion, and I'm sure it will pop open unless it's been in the weather for a lot of years.. (You DO have the correct key for the lock? and you are sure of that? :)

Gary

Or, you could always rent a midget at the local "rent a midget" store, if no kids are available!:yes::hurray::thumbsup:

I vote for the midgets

It still isn't open yet ?????????