'40 coupe trunk handle lock

Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall

Senior Member
I have what is likely an ignorant question on operation of the '40 coupe trunk handle lock. When I purchased my car the trunk was unlocked and handle worked fine. I tried a key that came with the car and locked the handle. The key was not the correct one, so couldn't unlock the trunk! Borrowed a handy picking tool from Bob Baxter and got it unlocked. Located a NOS lock cylinder, thanks Fordbarn and Paul, and installed it this evening.

Here's my question - how is the lock supposed to work. It appears the key can only be inserted and withdrawn from the cylinder in the locked position. The key can not be withdrawn with the cylinder in the unlocked position. Do you have to use the key every time you access the trunk? This doesn't seem right.

What am I missing here?
 
Hi,
Yes that is the way the org. cyl works. FlatHeadCoupe here on the Fordbarn does a excellent & reasonable job converting the cyls to open without the key. Steve
 
That is the way they work. I ground the head of a key down so it would fit under the lock cover and leave the key in the lock until I need to lock the trunk.
 
Appreciate the quick responses. I like the idea of grinding down a key to leave in the lock. The NOS lock cylinder came with two keys so will likely go that direction.

Thanks!!
 
The ‘40 trunk lock cylinder (Hurd version) can be modified to be able to remove key in locked or un-locked position. I usually keep one in stock , but can modify existing if OEM Hurd.
Regards, FlatHeadCoupe
 
Was the 39 different? I don't remember having to lock and unlock the lid on my 39 deluxe to open it. On the 40 standard I have now the trunk has to have the key in it to get it open which I assume is correct?
 
The ‘39 lock cylinder allowed the key to be removed in both locked and un-locked position. From 40 til mid-year ‘47 the key could only be removed in locked position. An optional cylinder was available from mid ‘47 that allowed the key to be removed in both positions.
 
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