[DML] Re: Help!

[George Ryerson <DbPgmr@xxxx>]

The best way, and I can assure you of this, to get into the trunk when the cable is broken is:



* Put the car on a lift.
* Remove the left front wheel. This is to permit the best angle for what follows.
* Push out the rubber plug that is above the brake master cylinder and hope that there is
nothing in the trunk that will interfere.
* Using a powerful flashlight atempt to view the trunk latch mechanisim. It can be done if
there is nothing in the trunk blocking the view.
* Locate the arm that the release cable attaches to.
* Using a suitable tool, grab onto the bottom of the release arm and pull it toward the
left side of the car. Have someone else gently push downward on the trunk lid while you
are doing this in order to release as much tension from the lack mechanisim as possible.
A suitable tool may be something like a VERY stiff wire bent into a hook on the end, or
possibly a wooden broom handle with a bold screwed into the end.

This happened to me a few weeks ago while I was working with a fellow named Chester and we
learned this solution from this message group.

I might suggest that while repairimg the cable / latch mechanisim that you drill an additional
hole in the latch arm ( mentioned above ) and install a suitable ( strong ) cable into it.
Make the cable long enough to be run under the carpet and right next to the master cylinder
access plug. Install something on the end of the cable to use as a handle ( a 3/8 " bolt with
nuts and washers to clamp the free end of the cable would work well ) and secure it inside the
trunk for easy access through the master cylinder plug hole in case this situation ever arises
again.

Regards,

George Ryerson
DbPgmr@xxxx

E Grauff wrote:

> Just picked up an '82. Was showing it off to some friends and had the
> hood latch break on me - inside under the hood, not at the lever! So now
> I can't put gas in my car. Anyone have this happen, and know how I can
> break in without destroying my hood?
>
> I'll start searching the archive online, and will be taking a look at a
> friends car to see if I can do anything with a slim jim - but if anyone
> can help me I'd greatly appreciate it.
> Thanks,
> Eric
>
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