1936 trunk handle lock - Need help

5

50droptop

Senior Member
The trunk lock on my ‘36 will only turn 3/4 of a turn. I’ve never really cared about it locking as it’s always spent the night in the garage. I will be going to an overnight car show this coming weekend so I wanted to ensure I can lock it up. Any suggestions on how to get it the last 1/4 of a turn?
 

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If it worked before I would try putting some powdered graphite in there and work in the key back-and-forth a little bit. It may just be sticky.
 
If you have removed the handle at one time, try removing and re-installing 180 degrees rotation to make sure the locking cam/slide bolt aligns with the slot in the lid when turning the key.
 
FlatHeadCoupe said:
If you have removed the handle at one time, try removing and re-installing 180 degrees rotation to make sure the locking cam/slide bolt aligns with the slot in the lid when turning the key.
Click to expand...

I will try that. It does seem like it just hits a stop and doesn’t go any further. Up to that point, it turns quite freely.
 
I had the same problem on the door of my daily driver. Squirted some wd-40 in it and it worked ok
 
That was it, handle was in the wrong position. The handle now locks!

Thanks all; I can always count on the barn!
 

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Just a comment regarding the trunk handle. My 36 Ford 5W Coupe has the handle in the horizontal position and the lock works fine.
 
Gary Tosel said:
Just a comment regarding the trunk handle. My 36 Ford 5W Coupe has the handle in the horizontal position and the lock works fine.
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So are you saying that they originally could have been factory installed either way or that your's has been modified?
 
Take a look at ebay item #222706284087 factory photo. The handle on the rumble seat lid looks vertical. Not sure why Ford would install it horizontal on the trunk model. As it has to be opened from the side, horizontal is harder to turn.
 
So is it correct to be vertical on both the rumble and trunk models? Is that what we're saying now? This is different from what was stated in the link from post #6.

On my trunk lid, the cutout for the lock tang is facing left (when viewing the car from the rear). On my handle, the lock tang itself is facing up (or down) with the handle in the horizontal position. Therefore, to get the tang to engage in the lid the handle indeed needs to be vertical. Honestly speaking, I could see the handle being vertical on the rumble lid as opening from the side would be easier (in my opinion) with the handle vertical. However in trunk form, it seems it would be easier to open with the handle in horizontal position as you would be opening from the rear. Either way, I'm just glad I was able to get the trunk to now lock.
 
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I think it is vertical for both the rumble and trunk models. Take a close look at the attached photos from the Classy Ford V8 book. It looks like it is vertical on this trunk.

And for me, because of the location of the spare tire, it is difficult reach the handle from the back of the car, easier from the side, thus, vertical works best.
 

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Steve Kennedy said:
I think it is vertical for both the rumble and trunk models. Take a close look at the attached photos from the Classy Ford V8 book. It looks like it is vertical on this trunk.

And for me, because of the location of the spare tire, it is difficult reach the handle from the back of the car, easier from the side, thus, vertical works best.
Click to expand...

Makes sense and indisputable photo evidence. I’m convinced.
 
I don't have an extra trunk handle. Best to find an original as the repros dont take the same key as the door and ignition.

And some of the guys on the list can rekey it to match what you have.
 
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