Can't open rumble seat lid

R

re36rdstr

Junior Member
I've only had the 36 roadster a couple of weeks. I opened and closed the lid a few times and it did not always latch. Now it's latched and won't open. The handle is fore and aft (6 0'clock) and moves from 10 min to 4 to10 after 8 with the key slot horizontal. No, I did not get a key with the car. Is it possible to get inside by removing the seat? How hard is that?
 
it appears your handle is not retracting the deck lid lock bolt. If the handle was locked it should not rotate as far as 8 to 4. When you rotate the handle it should feel as if your winding a heavy spring. If you have been having problems latching consider driving over some bumps to see if the lid unlatches.
 
Doesn't feel springy at all, stops solidly at end of travel. Can I get inside by removing the seat? Seat cushion is easy, dont see how to remove seat back.
 
The seat back on my coupe is hinged at the top. Pull the seat bottom out then swing the backrest up. Good luck.
 
The handle always remains in the same position whether open or shut. 3 & 9 o'clock,not 12 0r 6 .Original roadster seat backs are not hinged.It is completely different than the coupes.The roadster rumble seat latch is like a coupe and striker is spring loaded.The spring in the latch might be broken but turning the handle it should release . The bottom cushion seat riser is wood.The seat back has 3 brackets on the bottom that secure it to the floor.3 more that secure it to the package tray.

Here is a pic of the original handle and another with the latch.Couldn't find a pic of the other side of the latch,sorry.
 

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deuce lover said:
The handle always remains in the same position whether open or shut. 3 & 9 o'clock,not 12 0r 6 .Original roadster seat backs are not hinged.It is completely different than the coupes.The roadster rumble seat latch is like a coupe and striker is spring loaded.The spring in the latch might be broken but turning the handle it should release . The bottom cushion seat riser is wood.The seat back has 3 brackets on the bottom that secure it to the floor.3 more that secure it to the package tray.

Here is a pic of the original handle and another with the latch.Couldn't find a pic of the other side of the latch,sorry.
Click to expand...
575552


575554
 
Thanks for the replies. The handle will not go to 9and 3, but I think it did when I first got the car. Are the seat back brackets accesible from the interior? I'll have to look again. Also, what's the little round hole in the pic of the handle? Is it a lock cylinder release?
 
Brackets should be accessible BUT could be covered by uph.That little hole is to and with a small pin release the lock cyl,but the lock needs to be turned with the key to the 3 o'clock position.To me it is the latch.A problem is in the latch since the handle will not turn which it did? before. On a rumble seat car it will be tough to maneuver in that small space
 
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Seems odd that you were able to open it a few times, indicating that it was NOT locked and now you can't turn it enough. Maybe the lock mechanism is loose. I'd go for a bumpy ride, trying to push in on the handle as mentioned above, and also pushing it toward the front of the car; while turning the handle

I did some searching and found this thread but you would need the key. I don't know if drilling through the hole in the handle would work. Need someone familiar with locks to comment.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145915
 
The tiny hole visible in the handle is to release the lock core from the handle itself. As Sheldon said you need the key to do so. If the handle is turning removing the core will not help. Then the problem appears to be outside the handle. If the handle no longer turns, give me a call and I'll walk you through some troubleshooting. A 10 minute phone call will save us 2 days of tedious messaging back and forth.
BTW I wouldn't drill or force anything yet.
All that will get you is a reason to buy another handle.
Phil 845 551 5132
 
For reference, the trunk handle left the factory with the handles at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock as shown in the attached factory brochure.
 

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As mentioned above, "Maybe the lock mechanism is loose. I'd go for a bumpy ride, trying to push in on the handle as mentioned above, and also pushing it toward the front of the car; while turning the handle"

If you look at the lock box, it is attached at the top and that is why I suggest pushing toward the front while turning. I also don't see any hope of getting it to retract by going through the back seat.

Give Phil a call Phil 845 551 5132
 
Success! Finally got the rumble lid open, after trying to access by removing the seat(apparently impossible w/out going through the rumble seat). Now, the strange thing is-I can't see anything wrong with it! It's a very simple mechanism that really can't malfunction without a massive amount of wear. Anyway, It has decided to work after days of cursing and screaming, Why, I'm not sure??? Anywho, thanks for the help and support.
 
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