Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

The other day my key broke off in the trunk lock. A friend of mine and I tried a number of things to get the remaining key out, but I had to get the trunk open. We finally managed to jimmy in screwdriver, turn the lock cylinder, and open the trunk. Needless to say that the lock cylinder was destroyed in the process.

I have a couple of questions:

1. How do you get the lock cylinder out of the lock case? As far as I can tell, there appears to be no release on the front of the cylinder, but there is a sort of lever in the back of the case. I pried it up, but nothing moved.

2. Do any of you folks have a spare lock cylinder and case that I could buy from you? Kanter charges about $95 for the case, lock cylinder, and medallion (the hexagon that turns to expose the lock). Since I don't need the medallion, we can work out a reasonable payment.

Thanks, Craig

This service counselor article has info on the lock disassembly. I could be wrong but think the 56 Clipper version comes apart the same way & just the outer emblem is different. No suggestions on finding a less expensive lock unless Mike Dulinski might have a good used that might be able to be rekeyed to use your original key. Maybe he has both a trunk and glovebox lock which would have the same key.

If the key grooves on the sides of your cylinder are still usable Jessers or another locksmith might be able to repair it so you can keep the same key.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/SC/SC-VOL29NO12.pdf

This is good information. I will see what happens when I get home. Thank you.

There is also some info on page 20-21 in the body section of SM on removing the the 55 lock assy. Believe the cylinder comes out of the housing the same way as the 56.

The 1955 lock cylinder is different than the 56 and as MrBumble mentioned has a wire lever at the back of the case that will flip up but doing so does not release the cylinder. There is a groove in the cylinder that the wire rides in.
The only way that I can see to remove the cylinder is to bend one side of the wire lever straight and pull it out of the case sideways.

With the broken key still in the cylinder will the screwdriver trick work to get it in the position they show in the article so the paper clip can push the inside lock piece in to clear the groove.

check with pac sw.

Here are some photos of a 1953-55 trunk lock unit to show the groove at the rear of the cylinder and the wire retainer at the rear of the case. Flipping the legs of the retainer up makes no difference to the retention of the cylinder in the case.

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Not to be a pessimist, but this sounds almost impossible. I did raise the wire lever, but of course nothing happens. It's like the cylinder is fused to the case. I really would prefer to find a new/used assembly to this mess.

Soak it in some kerosene or ATF for 2 or 3 days and try it again.