Best way to punch a trunk lock.

[cudaken]

 I still cannot get my trunk key to work?  I pulled the rear seat and there is no way in heck I am fitting though that V braces!  

Plus I have found there are spent tires in the trunk still mounted on the wheels!

http://s83.photobucket.com/user/cudaken/media/Charger%20Site/06-18-3_zps0fd1cec0.jpg.html]

It is a 68 Road Runner and the trunk lock is mounted much lower than a 69 Charger.

I know the screw driver trick, and unbolting the latch trick. But I don't see anyway to get to the latch?  

Any tips on drilling / punching out the lock?

Cuda Ken

[areibel]

I've had to do the same, I duct taped a thin screwdriver to a broom handle and got it that way, from inside the pass compartment.
If you're going to drill, get a 3/8 bit and go right into the key hole.  Go a little, pull it outand clear the debris and keep going.  You're trying to get all the tumblers to fall out, maybe even use a shop vac when you're tapping on it.  Then you can jam a big flat blade into the hole and turn the whole works.  Not pretty, but it can be done.

[Brightyellow69rtse]

i think id rather cut the tack weld to the v brace and reweld it than punch out the lock.  one of the tack welds on mine was broke anyway and i had to reweld it.

[b5blue]

The stainless disk retains the lock key receiver, grind the face off and the guts should come out. 

[Bobs69]

I went thru the v brace a few years ago.  Took a screwdriver and a cordless phone!  I knew it was a one way trip.

[A383Wing]

I have in the past used a sheet metal screw and slide hammer.

put large sheet metal screw into where key goes, clamp on vise grips with threaded end attached to slide hammer, couple of pulls & it's out

[Indygenerallee]

self tapping screw and a old slide hammer, one crack and it's out.

[JB400]

Before you get destructive, call a locksmith.  They have a special type of stuff in an aerosol can that can free up a lock.  It's like WD-40 on steroids.  I can get you a name of the stuff tonight.

[Bobs69]

Is it graphite?

[A383Wing]

I lost my trunk key to my Shadow..took car up to locksmith, he made a key right there in parking lot in about 20 minutes....did not take lock out to do it

cost me maybe $15

Bryan

[JB400]

This is the stuff.  Having used it myself, it works wonders.  I've used it on padlocks and door locks.  The padlocks I had were frozen.  I couldn't get the key in it, but after a squirt, the lock unfroze and has worked ever sense.

http://www.triflowlubricants.com/Tri-Flow_Superior_Aerosol_Lubricant.html

Like I said, you might talk with a locksmith to see if he has some or an equivalent.  Motorcycle/bike shops or gun smiths might have it as well.

[bull]

I know how to punch a hippie. Does that help?

[cudaken]

Far as punching or slide hammer, what I am trying to avoid is tearing the sheet metal that hold the lock.

B 5 Blue, I don't think that will work because the Road Runner has the deluxe trunk panel.

http://s83.photobucket.com/user/cudaken/media/Charger%20Site/1-RoadRunner002_zps0dd99496.jpg.html]

I did bought some Liquid Wrench and give it one last try. I was going to do it tonight, but is is storming again! 

I have to add I was having trouble before I let her sit for 8 yeas. In fact I have a new lock sitting in my desk!  I had to move it in and out till I found just the right spot Lets keep it clean folks before it would open.

Thanks for all of the advices except Bull, Bull 

Cuda Ken

[Bob T]

I know how to punch a hippie. Does that help?

Ahh, they're pacifists anyway 

[bull]

I know how to punch a hippie. Does that help?

Ahh, they're pacifists anyway 

Yeah, pacifists are only pacifists when they can be. When a bullet whizzes past their ear for the first time it's game on.

Thanks for all of the advices except Bull, Bull 

Cuda Ken

What?  

Seriously, what about sending an adept 10-year-old in there to remove the retaining clip? Do you know any adept 10-year-olds?

[A383Wing]

I can see it now..."Come here little boy (or girl), I got some candy for ya if you crawl through trunk & open it for me..."

[cudaken]

 God, are you guys trying to get a Amber alert going after me!

Yes Officer he told me he give me a bag of candy if I get in his trunk Well the Road Runner has sat for 8 years, what is another 10-20?  
By the way Bull, I was a hippie, long hair, bell bottom pants. You punch me, well not all hippies where pacifists!

http://s83.photobucket.com/user/cudaken/media/51XuUC3kP1L.jpg.html]

And yes, I enlisted!

Messed with the lock some more, no dices! 

Tuesday rather it be drill or 2 pound that trunk is going to open!

Cuda Ken

[ws23rt]

It sure looks like one of those tires can be moved out of the way enough to  get at the trunk catch with tools mentioned.

[A383Wing]

key is probably in that toolbox in the trunk for safe-keeping

[Bobs69]

I like the idea someone mentioned previously about using the broom handle with a screwdriver taped to it.  If not, maybe ask some kid.

[green69rt]

Any chance you can pop the trunk hinges off of their pivots?   May take sacrificing the little clips that hold them on but then you could just lift the lid from the hinge side....  You may also have to pop the torsion bars out of their holes.

Just looked at mine and doing this may end up warping the trunk lid so maybe not such a good idea.

[cudaken]

 Trunk is Open 

Allen (41 Husky) came by and it was a fight! We went too Sears and bought a 2 foot long screw driver. Allen was able to move stuff a round till he could get to the slot, but it would not bulge!

I sprayed down the latch from the inside with Liquid Wrench and we fought with it some more! Took a hour, but it is open! 

Found some lost treasurers ($500.00 worth of tools that did not rust)

http://s83.photobucket.com/user/cudaken/media/Charger%20Site/1-06-25-6_zps2b1f7294.jpg.html]

http://s83.photobucket.com/user/cudaken/media/Charger%20Site/1-06-25-9_zps259075a5.jpg.html]

Plus the trunk floor is not half bad!

http://s83.photobucket.com/user/cudaken/media/Charger%20Site/1-06-25-5_zps3ed4c2be.jpg.html]

Most of the stuff that looks like rusted flaking sheet metal is really undercoating I sprayed in the mid 80's to try to make her quieter when I had the 426 in her.

Only real rust damage.

http://s83.photobucket.com/user/cudaken/media/Charger%20Site/1-06-25-2_zps267db11a.jpg.html]

I sure can live with that!

  Thanks for all the answers folks! 

     Cuda Ken 

[A383Wing]

did ya find the key in the toolbox?

Bryan

[bull]

 

[69DodgeCharger]

Has nobody ever heard of PB Blaster and some patience? You know, light tapping with a hammer. Maybe even a tiny bit of heat from a small propane torch instead of destroying things?

[ACUDANUT]

Has nobody ever heard of PB Blaster and some patience? You know, light tapping with a hammer. Maybe even a tiny bit of heat from a small propane torch instead of destroying things?

Ummm, what got destroyed. Did I miss something ?

[squeakfinder]

     Think I used about 2 and half feet of 3/8 drive extensions with a 1/2 inch or 9/16 socket once. Unbolted the latch.
      Guess I should stick this in a letter and mail it to ya last week.

[69DodgeCharger]

No, failed to read the whole post first. My mistake. I'm just surprised at the amount of people that go for "force" over patience sometimes. I figured somebody could learn from my mistakes. Congrats on the trunk open with no damage by the way.