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We were successful in getting our 39 V12 back to running condition last week.
We reconditioned the fuel system by rebuilding the Stromberg Carb, new fuel lines and cleaned and sealed the tank.
The old beauty runs smoothly now but the trunk will not open.
Before we start removing the rear seat to hopefully gain access to the lock, I’m looking for any suggestions and warnings.

Prior to the today, I was able to lock and unlock the truck handle and we were able to open and close the trunk easily.
Now the handle just spins and no difference if the lock is engaged or not.

Thanks in advance,
Bill
NPM Warren, Ohio

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Can you reach where the latch bolts to the floor pan underneath?

I'll check on Friday.
We just had the gas tank out for cleaning and sealing. Hope we don't have to pull the tank again.


Thanks
Bill

The junior models of 1939 latched with sliders moved by the handle to the sides so I am curious if the senior models are the same or do indeed have a central latch.

Ok, I've got some answers but of course more questions.

The underside of the 39 does not show any bolts or mounting mechanism.





After removing the seat, there are 4 bolts exposed.





After removing those 4 bolts, the seat back is still held in place securely somewhere on the top section near the flip down armrest.
We tried pulling up, down and to the front on the seat back and it won't budge.
We look at our 1940 110 series car and saw how that seat back was held in place. Doesn't seem to be similar.
Can't see how to properly remove the armrest fabric if in fact there are more fasteners there. Using a mirror, we could see the pointed end of bolts or screws behind the seat, up high. But would need trunk access to get to them.





Any ideas?

Thanks

Bill
NPM Warren, Ohio

Quote:

YES, this appears to be the same as our 39.
We've looked at the different options and I'm running out of non-destructive ideas.

We can't pull the tumblers on the lock because inserting a paper clip does not release the tumblers. If I need to find a GOOD locksmith, I can search that out.
We can't find any mounting bolts for the lock assembly not can we located mounting bolts for the back seat. Looks like the two top bolts for the seat were installed from the trunk. Not sure if removing the seat would actually give us access to the trunk lock mechanism either.

There are parts stored in the trunk that we need to retrieve.
I feel that there is a roll pin (or something similar) on the trunk handle that has sheared.

Any ideas from anyone?

Thanks much for the assistance.

Bill

National Packard Museum
Warren, Ohio

It does sound like something mechanical has broken and if that's the case, I doubt a locksmith would be able to help. presuming you cannot gain a view from behind the back seat backrest, you may have to take some drastic measures by cutting off the latch, then replacing it.

Will you or Rob S. be at the KC national this week? I have trunk handles and maybe we can work out a way to get the lock cylinder out...they can be finicky...worst case (post a picture of the correct current trunk t-handle that you possess)... Before you go cutting anything, lets exhaust the cylinder extraction process...then we can move to carefully drill out the cylinder itself (I have replacement NOS cylinders that can be matched to your key)...we can avoid the uglier approaches, I believe.

I have a booth in the vendor area.

Dan Mark