ERA - Any tips for aligning trunk latch?

[chuckbrandt]

When my car arrived assembled as a roller, the trunk latched perfectly. I'm embarassed to say I can't seem to get it back to that level of adjustment. And since I'm too big to climb inside and close the lid I'm scratching my head as to what to do.

Currently the latch does not close all the way (about 10 degrees from horizontal) and you can lift the lid and it pops around the pin. This is the case with all the adjustment available.

I suppose I should put the carpet down and see if that helps or makes it worse, but like I said it used to latch fine.

Thanks, Chuck

[blykins]

You already took my idea, Chuck. I climbed in the trunk and did it myself....hehehe Is one of your kids old enough to get in and do it? Your wife?

[Ron61]

Chuck,

I am not sure but I had the same problem when I first got mine and after putting carpet in, I had to do some adjusting of the bottom latch. Just used a couple of shims and everything has now worked for 9 years. Hope that yours is that simple. You don't need to crawl inside. Usea midgit and have him yell to you just where it is lining up.

Ron

[strictlypersonl]

The base plate for the adjusting plate is underneath the trunk carpet, so it won't be changed afterward. Ron's suggestion is good. Try shimming the base plate up with a washer or two underneath.

[chuckbrandt]

Thanks Ron and Bob,
I have 3 midgets (kids) but they are all affraid of the dark and somewhat unreliable.

I'll try shimming it, it's _possible_ it was shimmed before and I forgot.

Thanks, Chuck

[DonC]

Chuck:
Just drill 3 8" dia. holes in the trunk lid. One to look through and one for each hand. Should be easy after that. Not so good if it rains though.
DonC

[chuckbrandt]

Sounds like the makings of a handy blast cabinet too.

CDB

[DonC]

If you're going to use it as a blast cabinet you probably should fabricate a clear lexan cover for the head hole or wear goggles.
So many options with these cars.
DC

[Rick Parker]

Rather than damage the trunk lid and potentially the paint with holes, use a sawsall and remove the fiberglass panel behind the seats, then you will have free access to the rear and you can even adjust the gas tank! Just climb in, and you don't have to worry about anything being locked in the trunk!

Rick

[55312]

All good ideas but, I'm still hung up on blykin's idea of putting the wife in the trunk........wonder if you can still hear her hollering to slow down from there ?????

[CSCHWER]

Put you camera in the trunk. Just set it on delayed shutter and after several trys, you should have a picture of the alignment.

Chet

Did I say digital camera... to avoid processing delays!

[chuckbrandt]

Dang Chet! I may just try that! That's a pretty good idea.

Thanks, CDB

[chuckbrandt]

I sure have a long ways to go. Thanks for the idea Chet.

CDB

[Red Era]

Clever. Now I can check that refrigerator light. Probably should turn the flash off.

[chuckbrandt]

Thanks guys. I had to move the bracket over by drilling new holes. My fatal flaw was thinking it was in the right spot in the first place. Thanks for all your help.

Chuck