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Old 03-24-2019, 10:17 AM   #1
grouchyandugly
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Default help: Trunk won't open

1941 Merc Sedan. the Trunk was opening and closing fairly "easy", and then a neighbor SLAMMED the Trunk shut.... now I cannot get the dirtyword Trunk lid to open. the Trunk Handle moves, have unlocked and locked it, but it is stuck solid. will I have to take the rear seats out and go in that way to get it open?? (I am 77 and remember doing that to some old cars wayyyyyy back yonder). or is there another way?? and nope, I did not shoot my neighbor.... he was gone when I came back out loaded... hee hee…. stay safe. thanks
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Old 03-24-2019, 10:41 AM   #2
TJ
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

Almost sounds like he slammed the trunk hard enough to break something in the latch and the striker has fallen down and the catch can't retract.
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Old 03-24-2019, 11:05 AM   #3
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

yep. so now what??? have another cuppa coffee?? stay safe. thanks
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Old 03-24-2019, 11:09 AM   #4
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

Yes, you are going to pretend your 25 again. Nice neighbor! Doesn't he know you never slam doors and trunks closed?
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Old 03-24-2019, 11:21 AM   #5
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

wheeeeee…. oh well.... I am always interested in different ways to "exercise". stay safe
thanks
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Old 03-24-2019, 11:23 AM   #6
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If you could get a pry in between the body and lid at the bottom near the lock area .Lightly pry at the same time use the flat of your hand a tap the lid try the outer rear corners as well as along the bottom ,remember use the complete flat of your hand and a light pry don't go bending the metal of the lid.
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Old 03-24-2019, 11:35 AM   #7
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

Try slipping a putty knife under the lid in the area of the latch and push upward. If that doesn't work then pulling the rear seat is your only option. Be sure you take a flashlight with you and a good screwdriver to pry up the latch.
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Old 03-24-2019, 11:36 AM   #8
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

roger. will try that. hum. how will I use a pry bar and slap the trunk while trying to turn/pull the trunk open? stay safe thanks
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Old 03-24-2019, 11:37 AM   #9
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

yikes... I meant PUTTY KNIFE. stay safe. thanks
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Old 03-24-2019, 11:46 AM   #10
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

If it does come to removing the seat back and crawling into the trunk, get some help from a younger relative/neighbours kid with permission.

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Old 03-24-2019, 11:54 AM   #11
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

5 -5 2-2 !! (redneck 10-4)
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Old 03-24-2019, 12:24 PM   #12
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

Neighbor probably owns G M cars....must slam doors, hood, trunk or they won't latch.................l o l
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Old 03-24-2019, 12:30 PM   #13
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

I would use one of the plastic pry bar type tools available. They are not expensive and I’m sure are available in most stores.
Have your neighbor go pick you up a set
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Old 03-24-2019, 12:48 PM   #14
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

my neighbor would likely bring me a 4-foot CROWBAR, and then wonder why I did not want to use it... stay safe. thanks
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Old 03-24-2019, 01:26 PM   #15
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

Maybe you might be able o put some pressure In on the area of the latch and then try to move the Handle.. The latch might be caught on a lip or inside edge of trunk . Just a suggestion. Also if you had a second person V8 person They might hitting the latch area with a piece of 2x4 wrapped with several layers of a Towel or soft cloth as you try to open it.. Good luck !!
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Old 03-24-2019, 02:41 PM   #16
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Talking Re: help: Trunk won't open

Until you find the mettle to crawl through behind the seat. Try to find a parking lot with speed bumps. Keep it at about 25-30 mph. Might use up some of that adrenaline you've saved for the neighbor. Might jostle the lid skyward. I used to have a '53 the trunk was like a vault.

If or when you do the crawl, think about tight clothing. I like Mart's idea of a smaller and more flexible person. At the very least have some one there in case you need rescued.

I wish my wife would let me come by to help you. Anymore she gets edgy letting me go to the store alone.
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Old 03-24-2019, 04:33 PM   #17
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

Bring the car here to SoCal and park it in the Home Depot parking lot and then go shopping. When you come out the trunk will probably be open. Its happened to me twice.
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Old 03-24-2019, 04:40 PM   #18
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

Try Kerks method first. You may need two people to push on the bottom of the trunk lid,under the lock.
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Old 03-24-2019, 06:52 PM   #19
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

got side-tracked today. will (maybe) try tomorrow after I find/buy those plastic prying bars. no hurry, it is not tagged as yet. stay safe. thanks
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Old 03-24-2019, 08:41 PM   #20
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Default Re: help: Trunk won't open

Got a neighborhood kid that can go into the trunk from the inside?
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