1965 Tricky Trunk Lock Proposition

[dibbons]

I was a little surprised to pull my new trunk lock/key set out of storage to find it does not have the actuating lever/rod attached for my '65 Formula S. I don't remember what seller it was sourced from (it's been awhile, if you know what I mean).

I made a quick internet search at Classic and Year One and found only '66 and up trunk locks available (did I miss something?).

I test fit the new one I have, and it fit perfectly in the hole made for it in the vehicle.

It looks like there is some kind of roll pin thing holding the lever in the old broken lock. I do have a variety kit of new roll pins. But it looks a little tricky changing things out. These locks are apparently "brittle" and one can break or chip them, kind of fragile if you ask me. Anyone come across the same situation? Thank you.

P.S. I guess I better check first to make sure the lever on the old lock cylinder is the correct length, don't see how it could not be though.

 

[Demonracer]

You'll have to mess with the tab, but it will come off of the old lock to be put in the new one. Just sit down with a cold beverage & contemplate it, you'll figure it out.

 

[dibbons]

I did not expect such a minor detail to mushroom into a project of sorts.

I pulled the trunk lock from my '65 Signet convertible to compare it with the '65 Formula S.

The Barracuda has a longer lever, the lever is secured with a rivet, and the lever has a "dogleg" bend where it attaches. To remove the lever, the rivet head(s) must be ground off.

The convertible has a shorter lever, the lever is straight but has two little legs on the bottom that hook with the spring to hold it in place, and no holes for a rivet to hinge onto.


The new lock (with keys) has no lever included with it, has no holes drilled for a rivet either, and has the same basic construction as the convertible lock with spring.

I could add a little length to the convertible lever and install it in the new lock for the Barracuda, but then I would be without a lever for the convertible lock.

I can fabricate another lever with the two tabs on the bottom to accommodate the spring retention feature and make it long enough to reach the trunk latch in the Barracuda. Bingo!

The only question I have is it appears the replacement spring has one less coil than the convertible spring.

Photo: bottom-Barracuda; middle-Signet; upper-purchased replacement.

 

[Bogie]

I needed a lock for my 66 a buddy had one new in the bag but unsure of application I swapped the rod for the right length (had 3 in the bag) works great but only fit into the trunk cutout upside down