Trunk latch problem

W

wrndln

Well-known member
I have a trunk in my 28 special coupe that I am having trouble with getting the latch to latch. The latch in the trunk lid wont fit into the bracket that is attached to the panel inside the trunk. It appears the latch tongue wont slide into the bracket mounted on the car. I think the latch tongue notch is to high, but not totally sure. It is hard to tell because the trunk has to be closed to try it and then you can't see what is going on in the latch/bracket area. First, is it possible there are two lengths of tongues on trunk latches (i.e. I might have a short tongue latch)? Second, does anyone have any ideas how to check how much the latch tongue is missing the striker bracket? I might need to modify the striker bracket and raise the height of the area where the latch notch should go. I shouldn't need to do anything, I would assume, as I am using an original Ford latch, trunk lid, panel below the trunk and inner panel below the trunk panel. The only new part is the striker bracket (see second picture) and I have checked it against an original and they are the same. I have inserted two pictures of the items I am having trouble with (the striker bracket is on the bottom of the second picture).
Thanks for any help.


Trunklidlatchandhandle.jpg



Trunkreenforcingbracket_3.jpg
 
I thought that there was something in the service bullitens about this problem. The latch was relocated because it was hitting the edge of the body or something like that. Have a look in the book and see if you can find it. Sorry, my copy is not handy....
 
Rusty ...Dennis is right, find a little guy, forget the beer, you want him awake,every thing looks correct. The latch, that hooks to the body, on my hi-boy is worn a lot, may be the fit wasn't all that cherry? Mr. Parker you are thinking of the rumble, 28-29 hits the body, 30-31 does not. Dudley
 
I am having the same problem with my trunk latching when I close it on my 29 Special Coupe. If I push down hard on the handle it will latch. Maybe the catch just needs to be bent up a little or could it be the bumpers or to thick? Right now I am trying to get my trunk lid to line up. Took it off to clean and paint the hinges now it won't line up side to side.Any idea on this problem? By the way that is the same trunk latch I have. Richard/CA
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top