New surprises in the Judge's trunk!
 

I finally got around to pulling the interior out of the 69 judge. The trunk key won't open the trunk lid, so I decided to pull the interior and get at the lock latch from the inside. I was quite pleased to find the original ram air hood scoops in the console, yes. I also had to scoop and vacuum the rat poo and nests out from under the back seat. Finally got the rear seats all out and found the upper ram air pan in the trunk, yes. Found what looked like a pile of junk in front of the hood latch area, but it wasn't trash. It's a Pontiac block! That may be good, we'll see, but I can't get to the latch bolts. Any ideas on getting the lock out without ruining the trunk lid?

I use a length of wood (trim, yard stick etc.) and hose clamp a flat bladed screwdriver to it, stick it in the latch slot going through the rear seat bulkhead from the inside of the car and turn it so it releases. Once you get the trunk open it's easy to remove the lock cylinder just held in by a sheet metal retainer plate held in by a phillips sheetmetal screw.
I hope this helps.

I have used several extensions to reach through the rear seat panel or package tray and just unbolt the trunk latch.

You may also try to get to the trunk lid hinge bolts to gain clearance to get to the latch. Someone helping will help in doing this.

Good luck! Looks like you have already had some luck with finding those parts in the car.

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[QUOTE=thepontiacman;4524348]I have used several extensions to reach through the rear seat panel or package tray and just unbolt the trunk latch.

BINGO!! I've done this in the past with great results. Please, please post some pics of this as you discover it. Very cool find by the way. Good luck with your project. Mike

I think the issue is there is stuff, like a BLOCK, in the way of accessing the latch bolts / rear of latch assy. I would try drilling the lock out. Start small, like 3/16, work up to 1/2". Be careul to keep your drilling centered. Once the center of the lock is gone a flat screwdriver will do the job.

Could the key simply be worn to death? If you have your PHS, it shows the key code for the ignition, and trunk, have a local locksmith make a key from the code and give it a try.

Before you use any destroy methods on anything -
take the lock out of the glovebox door, and go to a locksmith.
(or take the whole glovebox door, stressing its value and fragility to the smith)

He can make you a key, and if history has been kind, it will also fit the trunk lock.
If trunk appears original - should have good results.

Another strategy is if you have the PHS Invoice - it will have the key code for trunk.
A smith "might" be able to cut from that code.
But prob have to go to a GM dealer (and hope they have an old blank) (maybe pick up a blank at Lowes Hardware or Walmart)

sorry for redundance, gtojon slipped in while i was watching semi-nude mexican chicks dancing on TV, while trying to post.

Lol! I totally understand! :)

Hey Baron, what channel you watching over there?

I have the key to the glovebox/trunk. The lock won't open. I can't get to the latch bolts because of the block. I can see the slot where the lock bar(?) comes from the lock. I'll have to see if I can get a screwdriver in the slot. I think I can see the lock bar in the slot though an it may not engage. I'm still excited about the stuff I keep finding at least. I thought all of the ram air stuff was gone, but it has just been hiding.

OK, just tried a screwdriver and it was a no go. Completely solid and wouldn't turn. I can get to the 3 bolts that hold the top latch, but the lock bar will probably keep it from coming out. I did see the original ram air cable and bracket. How about a six pack of beer in the bottle. I can't read the label, but it's brewed in San Antonio TX, red and white package.

If you can get to the three bolts that hold the latch, then you are golden. Once they are removed the trunk lid will open with the latch remaining caught on the lower catch.

I have three 24" socket extensions for just this purpose.

Hove you posted any pics of your Judge? Would like to see it.

If the latch mechanism won't turn with a screwdriver either the latch is stuck or the lock mechanism is stuck. You might try flooding the lock with Blaster for a couple days and try it again with the screwdriver.

As has already been said unbolting it will also work, it's easier to just turn the latch with a screwdriver when everything is operating properly and just release it and not have to re align the latch, in this scenario it may be the only way to get it open. Drilling the lock out would be my last option, if it won't free up with soaking it with Blaster and the bolts aren't accessible it may be the only way. Lotsa luck.................:)

hahaha
its some all-spanish-mexican channel on local broadcast non-cable
channel 20-3
think its all done out of california though

From 7-8pm Monday - Friday its the best show on my non-cable cheapskate TV dial period. Its called Estudios2 or Estudias2
I can't tell a word they say, but i like the pictures.
They are not bashful, and all have expensive breasts.

Another pretty good one comes on same channel from 3-4pm, not quite as much skin but close. Once in a while i catch some of it if i take a break in afternoon.

Like they said, if you can get to EITHER set of those bolts back there - you're gonna get in very shortly.

Does the key work in the glovebox ? But not the trunk ?
Or won't work in either of them ?

Its got to be a big thrill getting in there and actually finding some good stuff.
Happy for you and your Judge

network is called estrallas TV

The key works in the glovebox. I think the latch is probably rusted or jammed somehow. I've got to get another long extension after work. It's a lot of fun working through those little holes and a trunk full of stuff.

This is way more fun than watching Hiraldo uncover Capone's old bank loot!

:popcorn: :ranger:

Hope he finds more than Geraldo did, but not as good as those latin soap operas.....

How long have you owned Judge? Was it always a site unseen car when you bought it??