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Old 06-30-2021, 01:30 PM   #1
Oldrodder12144
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Red face Trunk Latch Problem

Just recently bought a very nice 50 Ford Business Coupe - Been driving it around zero problems - Opened the trunk to get an extra set of rear side windows out, closed the trunk and now I can't get it open.

The release stayed in the up position and won't drop down. No matter what I do with the key and some gentle tapping, it won't drop down, so I can't open the trunk.

There is a hole centered over the latching mechanism, that is covered by the license plate, that appears to be there by Ford as an emergency way to open the trunk.

I tried pushing it in, gently prying up and down but nothing. I don't want to damage the very nice paint or damage the trunk.

Any help would be appreciated.
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Old 06-30-2021, 01:38 PM   #2
nelsb01
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

Not a 1950 expert, but you may have to remove the rear seat (bottom lifts up from the front-- rear is held in place by two bolts) and slide through into the trunk. Almost sounds like the latch mechanism is caught and seeing it from the inside of the trunk, you maybe able to knock it so that the caught piece will drop down and return to the proper position.

Hope this helps.
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Old 06-30-2021, 02:47 PM   #3
Terry,OH
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

try pushing down on the lid and turning the key
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Old 06-30-2021, 05:06 PM   #4
Oldrodder12144
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

Going though the back seat is the usual way to attack this problem but the fact that there is a factory hole in the trunk lid at the mechanism suggests that it is an access point to open it for emergency situations. But thanks for the input.
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Old 06-30-2021, 05:07 PM   #5
Oldrodder12144
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

The key doesn't actually move the mechanism, it just allows it to happen. The release handle is the problem.
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Old 06-30-2021, 05:08 PM   #6
Oldrodder12144
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

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But thanks anyway for the input.
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Old 06-30-2021, 05:46 PM   #7
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by Oldrodder12144 View Post
Going though the back seat is the usual way to attack this problem but the fact that there is a factory hole in the trunk lid at the mechanism suggests that it is an access point to open it for emergency situations. But thanks for the input.
I don't think that hole is "factory". It's probably some previous owner's attempt (most likely, unsuccessful) to solve the problem you are currently experiencing.
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Old 06-30-2021, 05:57 PM   #8
Oldrodder12144
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

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Originally Posted by tubman View Post
I don't think that hole is "factory". It's probably some previous owner's attempt (most likely, unsuccessful) to solve the problem you are currently experiencing.
It's factory, check them out online from junkyards and works in progress.
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Old 06-30-2021, 07:34 PM   #9
tubman
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

OK, I'll take your word for it.
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Old 07-01-2021, 08:23 AM   #10
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

My 49 coupe has that same hole. I just went out and looked and also tried a small pick through the hole but there is a panel behind it and will not allow it to move the latch.
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Old 07-01-2021, 08:54 AM   #11
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

When I get home from work, I’ll take some pics of the latch on my ‘50. It may show what your up against…… Mark
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Old 07-01-2021, 09:07 AM   #12
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

Since it is a new purchase, I would contact the previous owner to see if he has experienced the same problem and what the solution was.
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Old 07-01-2021, 09:16 AM   #13
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

There is no back seat - it is a business coupe. Removing the back panel will cause more problems that it will solve. Don't ask me how I know.

Pushing down on the trunk firmly as you try to activate the release handle is the best idea.

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Old 07-02-2021, 12:59 AM   #14
Graeme / New Zealand
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

Lovely coupe and I've always found that particular steering wheel horn ring combo very pleasing on the eye.

GB
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Old 07-02-2021, 04:54 AM   #15
mercman from oz
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem


That is one sweet 1950 Ford Business Coupe.
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Old 07-02-2021, 05:19 AM   #16
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

The Ford repair manual has a good illustration of the trunk handle mechanism, maybe that will be on line somewhere.
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Old 07-03-2021, 04:32 PM   #17
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Default Re: Trunk Latch Problem

Sorry it so long to get the pics. I work a lot of hours......I’m old....and I forget things. I hope these help you .........Mark
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