VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Trunk Won't Open

The trunk handle on my 41 coupe just turns freely. The trunk inside latch is either stuck or broke. I hate to drill out the key mechanism. Is there any other way to get it open?

Thanks,

If you can remove the back of the rear seat and crawl through you may be able to operate the mechanism from inside.
Tony

Generally when the handle just spins the pot metal handle is broken away from the rest of the handle assembly. Main cause is it is locked and someone tried to force it.

Do you have the key? Does the key work to lock and unlock? If so and the unlock position is such that you carefully twist the key in the right direction while pounding on the lid with your hand, it should open. If that is not the case you will need to try and remove the handle. I am not familiar with the '41 trunk lock. It may be possible to remove whatever retains the handle assembly in the lock. Older ones had a screw that held the lock in position. An extended length screwdriver through the back seat opening? May not work if the lock pin fits too tight in the lock.

Thanks guys, i had to torch the inside lever from the inside of the truck area. It was all locked up solid and nothing would budge. I hated to do that but I could not find another way.

Could you share the scary details of how you removed the backseat ? This may happen to someone else.