Hi there,
I just inherited my dad's '68 firebird 400 coupe. Before he passed away I remember him talking about the trunk latch not releasing. Now that I've taken a look, the key turns in the lock, and it feels like it's turning more than just the tumbler, but nothing is releasing the trunk. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I might be able to get into the trunk, or get at the mechanism?

Thanks,

Luke

I know others will come along with suggestions easier than mine, but as a last resort you can remove the rear seat bottom cushion, the rear seat upper cushion, then the fiberboard seat back and finally have a small, agile person climb into the trunk.

if you remove the rear seat you can reach up inside and remove the two bolts that hold the latch receiver to the decklid

great minds think alike or small minds seldom differ,lol

Those ideas will work. Quicker way is to use a big flat head screw driver with square shaft. Drive the screw driver into the lock with a hammer. Put crescent wrench on screw driver shaft and turn to open trunk. Lock is toast but your in fast!

A lady came up to me on the street years ago, panicking because she lock her keys in trunk. Told her I could get it open quick but her lock would be damaged. She said go for it! I did it and she was amazed...and so was I. Figured it would work but it was the first time I tried it.

Try pushing down or thump'n on top of lid with your hand while turning the key.

Welcome to the forum ,where in ontario are ?

it could be very simple too...many times my rubber gasket would "hold" the trunk locked even when opened....try to pry it open , using first your hands, then a screwdriver wrapped in a rag...but this rubber gasket sometimes wil stick quite a bit to the lid, holding it like trunk lock did not release.

Thanks for all the help. Yesterday I ended up removing seat and going in that way. Took all my arm length and the longest ratchet extension I could find, but it worked.

Looks like when the latch is pushed down slightly past it's locking point (slamming the trunk, pushing down too hard) it sticks. It seems to be fine as long as I lightly close the trunk.

Funny surprise, in the trunk I found extra carpet that my dad must have bought at a flea market that matches the current carpet, and I found the original interior door panels, apparently my dad upgraded the door panels?

Anyone have a picture of what the '68 400 coupe door panels should look like?

Thanks again for all your suggestions, there was nothing like seeing daylight through the back when the trunk finally popped.

Thanks!

I'm west end Toronto

Deluxe vs standard door panels are easy to tell apart. On the standard ones, the arm rests bolt on.

On the deluxe, they are molded in as part of the door panel.