Stuck 1940 trunk handle

D

Don Cape Cod

Senior Member
Trying to get trunk open, I can rotate the tumbler, with difficulty, but the handle won't move more than a couple of degrees. HELP! thanks! Don
 
I would rotate the key until the wide groove was under the pin hole, push the pin down and pull the key cylinder out and see if that helps.
 
I've tried various tools, including dental tools & not yet successful in getting the tumbler out. Not quite sure what is meant by "wide groove". Guess I'll continue to try to free the tumbler, but so far, it won't cooperate! Thanks for the response!
 
There is a particular position of the tumbler that aligns the retainer pin so it can be pressed down...the groove won't be visible til tumbler is out. Explore arounf 45 degrees rotation of the tumbler
 
Rotate the key within the lock cylinder until the groove of the key is approximately perpendicular to the top of the lock cylinder/handle. Insert a bent rod/wire (see enclosed picture of the tool I use) through access area above the lock center and depress the cylinder retention pin downward toward the groove of the key, and withdraw the cylinder and key by pulling toward you on the key. Once the cylinder is extracted, you should be able to manipulate the slide latch with a screw driver so the handle can be turned within the base. You may have a sheared cam pin on the back end of your lock cylinder. If that is the case a replacement cylinder is the solution. (readily available). Hope this helps.
Regards,
FlatHeadCoupe
 

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Sorry, I should have said that the groove is in the key. If you pull the key out you will see it, put it back in and position the groove so that it is under where the pin gets pushed down. The pin can't be pushed down until there is space for it.
 
It took some doing, wiggling the key, handle, wire poker and finally my butt, and under much tugging, the cylinder came out. It is worn out but the operating end seems ok. There inside is the ribbed metal bar that the latch is supposed to raise.
I can move it easily up & down, figuring upwards is the way the lock wants it, but still can not move the handle. No more motion than when the lock was in place. Am I going to have to work my way into the trunk? That's a task! I see that there are replacement latches for the '40 sedan, but I've still got to get it open. Sigh.......
 
Keep trying to move the slide latch. Soak it with penetrant. It must move upward about 3/16 th of an inch to disengage from the slot/pocket in the base to allow the handle to turn. If you get it to move and it still won't turn, then the latch itself must be frozen.
Good luck on moving the slide latch.
 
I can move the slide latch easily up & down, trying to twist the handle & no go. I'll get off this and let the Barn rest from my quest. If Kroil and/or PB don't loosen it, I'll have to cut the metal straps supporting the seat back and find a skinny 8 year old to wiggle in. I want to thank everyone who offered help! BEST REGARDS, Don!
 
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