The Ford Barn

Labold · 05-28-2012, 08:15 AM

Packed the car down this wknd for a roadtrip and show. For some reason the key for my trunk handle just spins and won't let me unlock it. The trunk is stuffed full and I don't think I can get to anything from the inside even if I remove the seat.

Anyone have any tricks or suggestions on how to get inside? I tried cussing it with no luck.

oldford2 · 05-28-2012, 09:05 AM

You are right in not being able to get to it by removing the back seat. The backing cardboard and spare tire block it and then the openings in the cross-bracing are too small. PM 32Phil and ask him how the lock core can be released. Looks like if you know the trick it can be released and pulled out. Then the handle can be turned.
John

deuce_roadster · 05-28-2012, 10:35 AM

I saw this very recently on a 40. The pin on the end of the lock cyl has probably jumped out of the slot in the pawl that locks the trunk handle. Since you have the key you can turn it so it is sideways with the wide key slot pointing up and using some kind of bent tool, press down on the pin that locks the key cyl in and pull on the key and the whole cyl will come out. At this point, you can reach in with your finger, lift the locking pawl and turn the handle and open the trunk. The pin to depress to remove the cyl is at the 12 oclock position just inboard of the cyl.
It is also possible that the pawl has broken, either way, you can get the lock cyl out since you have the key and fix it.

Labold · 05-28-2012, 10:52 AM

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the advice/input.

Labold · 06-06-2012, 10:17 AM

Still fighting with the lock. Can't seem to get anything to release the lock. I tried turning it sideways but don't see anything to push to release the lock. I'll keep poking around.

Bruce Lancaster · 06-06-2012, 10:38 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

There is a hole in the handle for access to the release...even if you knw where the release pin should be there is generally some trial and error in actually getting it. Don't know '40, on by '48 it's about 1/8 turn from locked.
Stick a wire rod, large size paper clip is about right, into the access hole and keep turning and poking until you feel something springy! Once the little pin is depressed you just pull on the key and cylinder should come out.

Labold · 06-06-2012, 02:35 PM

It worked! Thanks for the paperclip and access hole tip. I've never been so happy to unpack a car.
...now to actually fix the problem.
Thanks again guys, I really appreciate the help!

05-28-2012, 08:15 AM	#1
Labold Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bowling Green, Ky Posts: 109	trunk lock spins Packed the car down this wknd for a roadtrip and show. For some reason the key for my trunk handle just spins and won't let me unlock it. The trunk is stuffed full and I don't think I can get to anything from the inside even if I remove the seat. Anyone have any tricks or suggestions on how to get inside? I tried cussing it with no luck.

05-28-2012, 09:05 AM	#2
oldford2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: pittsfield, MA Posts: 2,086	Re: trunk lock spins You are right in not being able to get to it by removing the back seat. The backing cardboard and spare tire block it and then the openings in the cross-bracing are too small. PM 32Phil and ask him how the lock core can be released. Looks like if you know the trick it can be released and pulled out. Then the handle can be turned. John

05-28-2012, 10:35 AM	#3
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,812	Re: trunk lock spins I saw this very recently on a 40. The pin on the end of the lock cyl has probably jumped out of the slot in the pawl that locks the trunk handle. Since you have the key you can turn it so it is sideways with the wide key slot pointing up and using some kind of bent tool, press down on the pin that locks the key cyl in and pull on the key and the whole cyl will come out. At this point, you can reach in with your finger, lift the locking pawl and turn the handle and open the trunk. The pin to depress to remove the cyl is at the 12 oclock position just inboard of the cyl. It is also possible that the pawl has broken, either way, you can get the lock cyl out since you have the key and fix it.

05-28-2012, 10:52 AM	#4
Labold Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bowling Green, Ky Posts: 109	Re: trunk lock spins Thanks guys! I really appreciate the advice/input.

06-06-2012, 10:17 AM	#5
Labold Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bowling Green, Ky Posts: 109	Re: trunk lock spins Still fighting with the lock. Can't seem to get anything to release the lock. I tried turning it sideways but don't see anything to push to release the lock. I'll keep poking around.

06-06-2012, 10:38 AM	#6
Bruce Lancaster Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Madison, NJ Posts: 5,230	Re: trunk lock spins Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) There is a hole in the handle for access to the release...even if you knw where the release pin should be there is generally some trial and error in actually getting it. Don't know '40, on by '48 it's about 1/8 turn from locked. Stick a wire rod, large size paper clip is about right, into the access hole and keep turning and poking until you feel something springy! Once the little pin is depressed you just pull on the key and cylinder should come out.

06-06-2012, 02:35 PM	#7
Labold Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bowling Green, Ky Posts: 109	Re: trunk lock spins It worked! Thanks for the paperclip and access hole tip. I've never been so happy to unpack a car. ...now to actually fix the problem. Thanks again guys, I really appreciate the help!