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-   66-67 GTO Tempest & LeMans TECH (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=430)
-   -   1966 VACUUM TRUNK RELEASE (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=801209)

Jeff Hamlin 02-09-2017 07:02 AM

1966 VACUUM TRUNK RELEASE
 
Anyone have a complete/correct set up?
Looking for information;
I have the basics, looking for install details.
Hose route out from pull, Details of NUT and REDUCER listed ?

Thanks

jd66 02-10-2017 11:19 PM

I put one together for my 66, the vacuum pull NOS from a Buick, the switch came from Andre here on the forum, the only thing I can help you with is the hole location for the switch, lucky mine already had them, good luck, neat option and it works. jd grim 66 gto

Jeff Hamlin 02-11-2017 08:20 AM

DETAILS
 
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/p...0VAC%2066f.jpg

I have the main components for this option, but have yet to install.
The reference to the NUT I presume if the flat speed nut on the back of the pull knob vac can.
I appears that the can will rest against the back of the glove box liner with a hole to run the hose.
I would think the NUT is just used to retain the can?

Then they show a REDUCER so I would think they used a larger hose from that point back possibly to increase vacuum/efficiency?

I see the hose was run to the outer side of the passenger floor/rocker
and then back inward to the accessory wire cover shield under the bottom of rear seat.
I have that in place already covering rear defogger and speaker wires.

There is no switch with this Vacuum operated release,unless your referencing the control or power unit (Actuator)
so no other mechanical parts seem to be needed,
Over all a very basic operation so I'm really interested in the finer details;

Correct pull can installation, (I think Its clear but would love to see an OE install)

Hose retaining clip type/style.

Reducer type.

I hope to be removing the interior within the next month to upgrade my carpet and plan to put this in at that time.

Any information greatly appreciated.

jd66 02-11-2017 09:38 AM

what I was referring to was the actuator in the trunk, as I said mine already had the holes for it, one more think I had to come up with a shorter rod from the actuator to the trunk lock, don't know what it came from just had it. jd grim 66 gto

Jeff Hamlin 02-11-2017 11:43 AM

JD,
Does the hose fitting on the pull can protrude the back of the glove box?

Also are you using a reducer on the hose?

Thank for the help.

jd66 02-12-2017 10:07 AM

well I'm probably not going to be able to help you much but mine did not have the nut on it when I got it off eBay, but I did pick up a spare pull and it had a reducer in the hose that came with it so I used it on my install, my install here was using the pull mounted in the glove box that came with Vintage Air I cut the mounting plate to fit and drilled the hole in box to size, works flawlessly, I show this more then anything else on the car and my car has all the options. jd grim 66 gto

BOB VIDAN 02-12-2017 12:02 PM

Can anyone tell me the number cast on the actuator in the trunk? Starts P90151-?? Have a bunch and am trying to ID the GTO ones.

Jeff Hamlin 02-12-2017 07:22 PM

OBSERVATIONS
 
OK a couple items discussed today at the shop, looking at the sheet above from
the RESTO-GUIDE which is the only reference I am aware of and have viewed many times in the past and just now realized looking at Item#2 REDUCER (VACUUM HOSE TO CARB)

WTH? it's my understanding this set up needs/uses NO engine vacuum. Correct?

Also FYI if you look in the glove box you might see a small circular perforation in the upper LH corner. Guess what that's for... ;)

BOB,
I forgot to get the number off the control and will do so next time at the shop.

jd66 02-12-2017 11:32 PM

right, no engine vacuum. jd grim 66 gto

Jeff Hamlin 02-13-2017 08:22 PM

That's what I thought,
Scratch up another one for the Resto-Guide.

THX

66sprint6 02-13-2017 09:40 PM

Wild. So the unit is self contained and the vacuum is created by pulling the plunger?

Jeff Hamlin 02-14-2017 07:16 AM

Correct, The CONTROL (Glove box) is just a vacuum and a very strong one I might add.
The POWER UNIT (Trunk) relies on a small wire/spring to recoil the rod mechanism back to the closed position. This system is about as basic as it gets.

As a side note FYI the PONTIAC control is the only unit that does not have "TRUNK RELEASE" engraved into the mounting bracket used by GM. Buick & Olds have very similar units with minor differences such as that but could be utilized if needed/wanted.
The Chevy units use the same "can" but the bracket mounts to the side not the top of the glove box.

The '66 Pontiac A-Body POWER UNIT is the only one I've seen so far that has an exposed mechanism at the rod end of the unit, all others I've come across have a covered/encased mechanism. Sort of protecting it from possible cargo impacts.
Even the B-Body unit is covered?

So it seems like Pontiac really CHEAPEN out on this ;)

Jeff Hamlin 02-16-2017 07:35 AM

TEST FIT
 
Wanted to test this to see how well it functioned before I begin final installation.
Secured the correct Vacuum hose locally. The smaller hose from the Control, based on file images of NOS kits by all accounts is apox 6" long.
Just enough to exit the glove box, then with the Reducer it connects to the larger hose routed on the PS run to the trunk.

I set up 25' of hose to see how well this system would function.
Worked flawlessly so this Control is plenty strong for the task.

I moved on to the Power unit.
Mounting it to the latch support was somewhat straight forward.

This requires removing the Lock and rod. Once the PU is set you then have to trim apox 3/4 of an inch off the stock Rod. Re-install and test operation. I felt is was a bit stiff, this was easy to correct by loosening the PU bolts and re-positioning it to release any bind.
Once that was done a few test with the key and a dab of lube on all moving parts and it works perfect.
I have the tension of my trunk rods set so my lid "pops" open apox 18/20" not sure if I want it to flip/lift all the way open.

This option has been one I have been after or almost 20 years.
Never able to find/secure both pieces at the same time and selling off the singles over time thinking I would likely never find the complete assembly.
The ones I did see complete over the years were IMO way over priced.

I'll be pulling the interior soon to add sound deadner and at that time complete the final install if the release.

One more option to the list ;)

BOB VIDAN 02-16-2017 08:06 AM

Did you get that number yet?

Jeff Hamlin 02-16-2017 07:41 PM

Numbers
 
...

GT182 02-16-2017 08:40 PM

I've been thinking of going with a trunk release for the past couple of years. I know it's not correct but after reading all if this and hearing that Jeff had a hard time finding a complete kit, I think I'll go go with the electrical unit.

barrierblue66 02-16-2017 08:53 PM

Yep, cool little option. I cheated on my '66 GTO and added an electric version.

Jack P. 02-16-2017 11:20 PM

This just popped up on Ebay, if its correct.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/66-GTO-SKYLA...FYpmaS&vxp=mtr

Jeff Hamlin 02-17-2017 07:05 AM

That is correct, but finding the correct Control would be hard.
One could use the Olds or Buick version.

This one fell in my lap as I had not searched for one in years after so many attempts to locate a set.
We are working on 2 '66 GTOs at the shop and this Control was in a box of part with one of the cars.
We explained to the owner what it was and they said I was welcome to it :D
Then a quick search last week and the Power unit popped up on epay as well,
so it was meant to be I guess ;)

jd66 02-17-2017 09:09 AM

Jeff, when I was putting my opener together for my 66 GTO the only problem I had was finding the bracket for the vacuum pull in the glove compartment, ended up didn't need it with Vintage Air and the small glove box, but it would be nice if you would post a diagram of an original to help out anybody else who wants to install this great option. just saying JD Grim 66 gto


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