Which way does th etrunk handle go?

[5window]

Ok, this is probably a very silly question. I have a '31 coupe and haven't had a trunk handle on it yet. So does the handle point to the right when it's open and point down when the latch is closed? Or something else? Thanks

 

[papanick]

I had a 31 coupe sometime ago and I think it pointed down when it was close. I hope this helps. jr.

 

[papanick]

now after looking at some photos of cars i had. if you have a T handle then it would run side to side when trunk is closed when you open it it would point down. if you have a rumble handle it would point down when the trunk is close. jr

 

[Steve Wastler]

Been a while since mine had a trunk, but my 29 trunk was at 3 oclock closed, 12 o'clock open. Have never seen one on a trunk point down

 

[papanick]

Looking at the photo the one with the handle pointing down was a street rod. so it was custom. so I would go with side to side when closed and up when open that is what my 31 had. jr u

 

[Ron in Quincy]

When closed the handle points to the passenger side [3 o'clock position], turn up to open.

Ron

 

[Roadster62]

I'm guessing that is the "Show Car"answer, and that is fine, but it sure would look odd and out of place to my eye. The handle can be installed in four positions, I'd rather see it pointed up or down when closed. If anyone reading this has a 1928 T shaped handle they wish to part with please send me a PM. Bob

When closed the handle points to the passenger side [3 o'clock position], turn up to open.

Ron

 

[Jerry Parr WI]

In the locked position handles point to the center of the lid except 28 T handles which are parallel with the edge of the lid. Applies to both rumble and trunk.

 

[5window]

Wow, I had no idea it was such a complicated question! I'll have to take Don's suggestion and check the ways it CAN open-it is a reproduction not an original. From an appearance and ergonomic standpoint, it seems to me that it would make sense to be at "three o
clock" when unlatched and "6'0clock" when latched closed. HMM,but thanks.

 

[5window]

Have you tried fitting the handle into the latch assembly? For it to function correctly, some of them can only be installed one way. When the key is turned in the lock, a plunger engages a notch in the latch housing. If the handle is not installed properly, that will not happen. I have seen some latch housings that have two notches, allowing for more than one handle locking position. But if your latch only has one notch, you will only have one choice for mounting the handle.

Yep! Turns out the handle will only lock if starting from vertical (tail pointing up) or 3-o'clock(-tail pointing to the right. ) when locked.I picked the latter. Thanks for the help.

 

[mot]

Re: Which way does the trunk handle go?

I have only seen latches with two notches
but then i only collect 30-31 stuff
with two notches you can install the handle in either position and it will work
BUT all the original photos i have seen ,they are like Jerry Parr says

heres an original latch and rumble handle
showing the handle in both the locked and unlocked position
you can see the moving pin that fits in the notch to lock the handle
and some original photos showing the handle position
tom

 

[mot]

Re: Which way does the trunk handle go?

heres some original photos showing the handle
its really hard to find original photos as they tend to cut them off at that point
the third photo is an early 28 sport coupe with the T handle

 

[5window]

Well, I think I can finish this up. First, the original parts that Mot posted are way more substantial than the repros I bought.

Then, as I lay thinking in bed this morning, I had a BFO*! The two notches on the handle were in the wrong places for the handle to point downward when locked. So, I used my handy Dremel and cut a third notch so that the handle can be positioned the way it looks best. Of course, being a repro piece, I also had to notch the trunk lid a tiny bit, but it's all under the gasket and handle flange, so all is well.

Thanks for all the help.
*BFO= Blinding Flash of the Obvious

 

[Joop]

picture of my original


..

 

[5window]

picture of my original


..

Thanks.Glad to see an original.

 

[glenn in camino]

On my black, 29 coupe the closed trunk handle points down. On my 31 sport coupe the rumble handle points toward the rear

 

[5window]

On my black, 29 coupe the closed trunk handle points down. On my 31 sport coupe the rumble handle points toward the rear

I am wondering if the issue was, in fact, not with the latch, but with the handle? The protruding peg that comes out when the key is turned was loose to start with, but I had to adjust the opening it comes through to get it to work when installed with the handle vertical and modify the trunk lid because when the peg was out,there wasn't clearance for the thickness of the trunk skin metal.

It's not a really badly made piece, I think it's just a reproduction and not as good as an original.