Chevelle Power Trunk Release

by Dinomyte Sun Sep 22, 2024 2:05 pm

Hi all:

It's been a long time since I've posted, hope everyone's good.

I got myself a power trunk release a while back that I tried to install a couple of weeks ago. I don't think it's the right part even-though it fits it seems to do nothing.

I've checked the wiring, the button, the release itself actuates when power is put to it, but I can't see how it works when installed and I can't find a decent picture in any manual of what the Chevy version of this would look like, or is there even such a thing.

These are pictures of the front and back of it.

by 76Chevelle2Tone Sun Sep 22, 2024 3:07 pm

Compare yours with this listing.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226364407864?_skw=1977+77+++malibu+power+trunk+release&itmmeta=01J8DJ0JHWHSEFRK1724MSGPPH&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAABAHoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKn7CiF7FSFaUPBRGu9jgr%2F43yI7e3iWI57sDMrJz5WTbKdGSabF2h%2BZPClIf3xI0rn8r%2FwoOMAjZKPG55p7eRTXykZfdMpWni%2F%2BToxSZzp5qITDXcLOrU4xDzZC1h9ifpHovRXZdpKZx7%2B4hzAuq1R0915soH51Q6WNtEh%2Fh24HMhgnt%2F4mT9R17j5LbP37VTZSzDEJy9JpQv73FMlOv9KgKbDKvjCzn9H6wA4JiIFh5SfrsLdfneuGgW1w8pL7cw6zbgFePxApVWZXpmFGFAcNgABxgsepbfe2yxq3b4zQvhOZ2LALEyFsT%2BEo%2BXeeXe0%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4KpgrLDZA

by Limey SE Sun Sep 22, 2024 3:19 pm

You need the actual Power Latch also NOT just the actuator they are different

by Dinomyte Sun Sep 22, 2024 5:07 pm

76Chevelle2Tone wrote:Compare yours with this listing.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226364407864?_skw=1977+77+++malibu+power+trunk+release&itmmeta=01J8DJ0JHWHSEFRK1724MSGPPH&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAABAHoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKn7CiF7FSFaUPBRGu9jgr%2F43yI7e3iWI57sDMrJz5WTbKdGSabF2h%2BZPClIf3xI0rn8r%2FwoOMAjZKPG55p7eRTXykZfdMpWni%2F%2BToxSZzp5qITDXcLOrU4xDzZC1h9ifpHovRXZdpKZx7%2B4hzAuq1R0915soH51Q6WNtEh%2Fh24HMhgnt%2F4mT9R17j5LbP37VTZSzDEJy9JpQv73FMlOv9KgKbDKvjCzn9H6wA4JiIFh5SfrsLdfneuGgW1w8pL7cw6zbgFePxApVWZXpmFGFAcNgABxgsepbfe2yxq3b4zQvhOZ2LALEyFsT%2BEo%2BXeeXe0%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4KpgrLDZA

I've got all the same parts, the one on eBay is more open and you can see the solenoid, not to mention the mercury switch, which I'm guessing is there to only activate the release if the trunk lid is closed, even the dimensions look about the same.

by Dinomyte Sun Sep 22, 2024 7:40 pm

Limey SE wrote:You need the actual Power Latch also NOT just the actuator they are different

Are you saying that the trunk release mechanism is different?

This is what mine looks like.

Have you got a picture of what I'm missing?

Thanks,

by Limey SE Sun Sep 22, 2024 7:54 pm

Yes there different

by Mcarlo77 Sun Sep 22, 2024 8:26 pm

Hey, Dino...how have you been?

First of all, you DO have the correct actuator. I retro-fitted my '75 Laguna with power trunk lock and do believe Limey is correct in that you need the correct latch (although my memory is vague). I do remember having to use my Dremel and widening the latch opening on the trunk lid just a little for the power lock to function correctly. Was no big deal. I'll dig thru my boxes and see if I still have another latch. Meanwhile, here's a pic of my factory equipped power lock on my Monte looking from inside the trunk.

by Mcarlo77 Sun Sep 22, 2024 9:34 pm

Here is a front and back of the correct latch. I think the key difference is the tab that the actuator presses against when activated to trip the latch to the open position (see photo where I'm pointing at the tab). First photo is as the actuator is mounted to the latch.

by RobW Mon Sep 23, 2024 3:00 pm

Hi,

I installed a NOS trunk opener kit on my car. I cannot find the instructions that came with it at the moment, but if I remember correctly there was a step where you had to cut a bigger hole around the trunk latch.

The picture below is of my trunk lid, poor quality but if you zoom in you can see the expanded hole twowards the right side of the image.

- Rob

by Dinomyte Tue Sep 24, 2024 6:56 pm

Thanks everyone:

I'll get the trunk latch off and check for the tab. This makes more sense as to how it works.

Dino

by Mcarlo77 Wed Sep 25, 2024 11:59 am

Will be anxious to hear what you find as I'm now thinking there is no difference in latches between those with and without pwr trunk openers. I was out at the local JY and pulled the latch off a '77 Cutlass WITHOUT pwr opener and it had the tab. Maybe coincidence that the car was prepared for that option, but I have my doubts. I just can't remember from when I installed mine on the Laguna. I think your real problem is just that the latch opening where the actuator tab needs to move needs to be cut/ground as previously mentioned to allow proper movement. Here is a link to a past thread discussing this. Keep us posted.

https://www.g3gm.com/t12482-power-trunk-solenoid-release-install?highlight=power+trunk+latch

by Dinomyte Mon Sep 30, 2024 7:37 pm

Here's the update...

I removed the latch and discovered that it's identical to the ones in the pictures, as is the one in the other trunk lid I have, so not sure if I'm just lucky or if Limey is right, either way this was a good find.

I then had to trim away the extra sheet metal on the trunk with my rotary tool so the power opener could actually actuate the trunk latch, then reassemble things.

Reference this picture below with the one above and you can see what's cut, works like a charm, sorry no picture of the OE button installed in the glove box.

Thanks for the help.

by Mcarlo77 Tue Oct 01, 2024 11:54 am

I think this confirms that there isn't a special latch for the pwr trunk latch option, afterall. But, it does beg the question as to why the trunk lids need to be modified to accept the actuator. Did GM provide two different lids? If so, why not just have one lid that could be used with and without this option? That area that needs to be notched doesn't affect ability of latch to function properly on non-optioned cars. Was the modification done on the assembly line?

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Sat Oct 05, 2024 9:31 am

Here is the template that comes with an NOS trunk release kit. All the trunk latches I've come across have the mechanism already in place to work with these trunk poppers. Hope this helps.

by Mcarlo77 Sat Oct 05, 2024 10:41 am

Still don't understand why all lids didn't have the proper cut-outs to accommodate the actuator if ordered with that option. Surely, they didn't waste time on the assembly line to modify?

by 76Chevelle2Tone Sat Oct 05, 2024 1:53 pm

I'd be curious how many G3 buyers ordered the power trunk option from the factory.

by Mcarlo77 Sat Oct 05, 2024 2:12 pm

In the dozens upon dozens of G3's I've scoured for parts at the JY's over the years, I don't have any recollection of coming across any Chevelles/Malibus/Lagunas having this option. They weren't easy to find on other Makes/Models, either. Of the handful I found, they were on Monte Carlos & Grand Prixs. I think there is a Grand LeMans sitting out at one JY that has one.

by 76Chevelle2Tone Sat Oct 05, 2024 2:16 pm

I would expect a few on the more upscale models but in those days most people didn't even cough up for power windows/locks. Maybe that's why the factory wasn't bothered with this option.

by Dinomyte Today at 6:24 am

76Chevelle2Tone wrote:I would expect a few on the more upscale models but in those days most people didn't even cough up for power windows/locks. Maybe that's why the factory wasn't bothered with this option.

I think you've got it right. Cars like the Malibu were basic transportation, and what would at the time have been "luxury" type options just didn't happen, just like power windows, locks and others. As a kid I can only remember one family car that had power windows, locks, trunk and it was a big Buick. Now there more like standard equipment.

just my thoughts.

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