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Old 09-26-2020, 01:03 PM   #1
Joe Immler
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Default Trunk Lid won't open

The trunk lid on my '41 Coupe slipped out of my hand about half way down and slammed shut. The handle will not turn to release. There is no key lock in the handle. I do notice that the lid looks a bit tighter than usual, used to be about 1/4 inch clearance but now almost hits the body. I hate to have to take the backwall and everything out to gain entrance. Suggestions?
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Old 09-26-2020, 01:16 PM   #2
RKS.PA
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

Joe, are you able to gain any access to the latch mechanism through the lock hole? If the handle won't turn, sounds like something jammed when the lid slammed shut?

Agree taking the backwall out etc. won't be fun....might not even allow you to reach whatever is out of position. Not sure if your '41 trunk latch is similar to my '47, but my latch is enclosed in the inner truck lid bracing sheet metal, so access from inside the trunk might not be possible?
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Old 09-26-2020, 01:21 PM   #3
bbrocksr
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

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Originally Posted by Joe Immler View Post
The trunk lid on my '41 Coupe slipped out of my hand about half way down and slammed shut. The handle will not turn to release. There is no key lock in the handle. I do notice that the lid looks a bit tighter than usual, used to be about 1/4 inch clearance but now almost hits the body. I hate to have to take the backwall and everything out to gain entrance. Suggestions?
Push down on the lid while turning the handle to relieve the pressure on the latch. May take a lot of downward pressure/lots of people pushing down.
Bill
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Old 09-26-2020, 01:37 PM   #4
B-O-B
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

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Originally Posted by bbrocksr View Post
Push down on the lid while turning the handle to relieve the pressure on the latch. May take a lot of downward pressure/lots of people pushing down.
Bill
I have to pull up on the handle, it may take some brute force as the lid goes too far & binds the latch.
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Old 09-26-2020, 04:35 PM   #5
cmbrucew
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

Joe
See if you can loosen the hinge bolts.


Bruce
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Old 09-26-2020, 11:06 PM   #6
fordor41
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

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My trunk latch on my '41 fordor quit working with the trunk closed so I bought a Bob Drake unit and hack sawed the old one off. that diecast is tuff stuff!
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Old 09-26-2020, 11:47 PM   #7
Aarongriffey
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

I’ve been working on a ‘46 coupe that had the keys stolen.
I had to take the back seat out.
When you do that be careful that you don’t poke a hole in the upholstery above the rear backrest.
Getting the spare wheel out of the way was not fun.
When you go into the trunk take a light, abig flt screwdriver and a hammer with you.
Have another person with you when you go in.
There is a big nut and washer holding the handle in.
After you push the handle out your helper can open the trunk with a large screwdriver or a square file handle.
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Old 09-26-2020, 11:49 PM   #8
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

Don’t go into the trunk through the back seat without a helper.
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Old 09-27-2020, 06:55 AM   #9
Terry,OH
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

The handle lock bolt could still be installed with the lock cylinder removed. The bold may have moved into the lock position preventing the handle from moving. See if you can insert a small screwdriver through the cylinder hole into the lock bolt and slide in back to the unlocked position.
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Old 09-27-2020, 09:19 AM   #10
big job
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

Just got a email from Drakes the whole thing now back in stock affordable too. although
back when I did have a 41 if its anything like my 46 thats a no way going through the
back seat spare tire right there plus the cardboard panels that you will ruin. Best way is
a cut off wheel on a air whizzer and whittle the whole thing off. I really like Drakes, I
bought a new upper grille $300 plus but what I thing of beauty...
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Old 09-27-2020, 10:06 AM   #11
Joe Immler
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

GOT IT !!!! Terry,OH I followed your suggestion and it worked!
Thanks to all the Barners for your response. Why I love this site.
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Old 09-27-2020, 04:14 PM   #12
RKS.PA
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

So, now Joe, what can you do to prevent it from happening again, or is the screw driver the gift that keeps on giving??
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Old 09-27-2020, 06:46 PM   #13
Joe Immler
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

RKS,PA Yep. The screwdriver is in the glove box.
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Old 09-28-2020, 06:36 AM   #14
Terry,OH
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

I had thought the 40 and 41 took the same deck lid lock cylinder. If so there are several NOS for sale. You could put the screwdriver in the tool box.
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Old 09-28-2020, 12:29 PM   #15
FlatHeadCoupe
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

The lock cylinders for ‘41 thru ‘48 are different from the ‘40. Two versions: the first allows the key to be removed only in the locked position, the second version allowed the key to be removed in locked or unlocked position (introduced mid ‘ 47). Regardless of which you use, it is recommended to “dry-fit” the lock into the handle assembly while the assembly is removed from deck lid. Test for proper operation and install the handle assembly fully assembled as a unit. You wouldn’t want to accidentally shut the trunk if the cylinder had been installed in the wrong position.
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Old 09-28-2020, 02:04 PM   #16
Joe Immler
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Default Re: Trunk Lid won't open

Thanks for the advise FlatHeadCoupe. Good to know.
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