Packard Forum Index » General

Is there a chance anyone might know an easy fix to open the trunk on this Packard. The key fits fine and it turns all the way (with some tension) and it feels like everything is working fine but the trunk does not pop open or lift open? Can I get to the lock by moving out the backseat if I have to? My sense is that it needs some minor adjusting but I don't want to force anything because I dont want to break the key.

Attach file:

---

  (65.11 KB)

If the key feels like it is working, have you tried pushing down on lid as you turn the key? If that doesn't help then about the only thing is to remove the striker.

I believe your car is essentially the same in the lock area as 55-6 so you can remove the back seat and with the use of long extensions (about 6 ft, and a 7/16 socket others report) reach in between the X brace and remove the bolts holding the lower striker on. Then the lid can be opened. If your car has any covering over the x braces (55-6 had cardboard), that will cause some problems removing so you don't damage it. It also helps if the trunk is fairly empty.

Attach file:

---

  (20.55 KB)

Possible one of the springs in the lock assemble is broken. Turn the key all the way and try to bounce the trunk up and down. Also see if you can grab it by the bottom edge and pull up with the key fully turned. If neither works, then you can pull the rear seat up, and you have to go through the cardboard backer.

Due to the cross bracing, your will not be able to get all the way into the truck. So you will need to borrow as many socket extensions as you can, put then all together, and loosen the 3 bolts that hold the lock assemble to the trunk lid.

Good luck!

Quote:

I haven't done this since I was a "junkyard kid", and I am not familiar with Packard locks of that vintage. But here we go. The first thing you do is pull the crankcase dipstick and clean it. Then, remove the rear seat cushion. Once the seat is removed, there should be some opening into the trunk. Grasping a flashlight in one hand and the dipstick in the other, thrust the hand with the dipstick into the trunk, leaving room to insert the flashlight. If the Packard is like most locks, there will be a slot on the trunk side. Inserting the dipstick into the slot, and turning it, should open the trunk. If the slot isn't there, well I don't know; at least you had a good look around.

HH56's method worked like a charm for me.

Thank you to everyone in the forum for the advice. I tried WD40 in the lock and push and pulled but I think it is in the spring. I'll try to take the seat out and get to the latch. I think the seat just lifts up? I don't know if it is attached to the back bench part. I hope not because this is stiched to the upholstry. Again - thank all - frank

Unless yours is different, I believe you'll have to lift out the seat part, then undo 2 screws or bolts at the bottom of back and then lift back up off some clips toward the top and then out.

I finally got the trunk open. It took alot of banging around on the lock, pushing down on the trunk etc, more torque on the key but it did open. After it opened, I sprayed it good with WD40. The springs and lock were pretty dry. Thanks

Frank,

Glad you got the trunk open and got lots of 'helpful suggestions.'

I thought Faust's suggestion was the most creative, especially if you have a 'junk yard kid' around who is small enough to crawl from the back seat through the x brace bracket. Dipsticks and very useful. Ever as lo-o-o-ong screwdriver might work.

I will file that suggestion for future use.
DanL

PS: Before Mal asks, Have you registered your 54 black-beauty on the Owners Registry? If Not, please add it to the 340+ Packards in the garage.

Quote:
G'day Frank,
Very re-miss of me not to have have made you to PackardInfo before this. And I'll look forward to seeing the '54 in the Owner Registry as Dan suggested.