how do you pop the trunk of a 51 styleline

i have a 51 styleline and the trunk is full of parts however the lock is gone but its latched down i sent a photo so you can see what i mean but need help opening it cause i think the fender flares and windows might be in there

 

If the latch is still inside, stick a screwdriver through the hole and turn it.

 

Can't get through the rear seat area?

 

The lock is missing so all you have to do is take a flat bladed screw driver and stick it in the hole into the slotted hole in the lock an turn it to open the trunk.

 

stewert and mr48 ive tried the screw driver thing and it just spins and dodger the trunk is completly full cant go through the seat area

 

Just took a look at mine. The lock cylinder engages a small slot. The slot is about 3/32" wide, and maybe 1/4" tall. It will take a small flat blad screwdriver to engage the slot. 1/4 turn counterclockwise to pop the latch. Make sure you're all the way into the slot when you're turning. If that doesn't do it- this isn't going to be fun.

 

if something is broke and the screw driver wont turn the latch about the only thing to do it air hammer the hell out of the latch.

been there, but only on a ****ty old parts car that i didnt care about.

its not pretty either.

 

My '54 also has no lock mechanism, and the screwdriver thing freewheels too. But there is a toggle link just below the hole in the trunk lid. Put a skinny screwdriver in the hole at a steep downward angle and pry the link inward, the trunk will pop open. I would think the '51 will have the same mechanism as the '54.

 

To get into one of mine - the '50 - I took out the back seat, I used several extensions on my ratchet and reached in (also using a flashlight) to take out the 2 bolts with a 3/8"socket

 

I like that idea except for all that stuff in the trunk !

 

Is there bracing behind the back seat? No way to get the parts out that way?
Could you get to the hinges that way? Hope you get it open.

 

flat tip..........and 5 seconds!

 

all great suggestions and i shall try some in the morning but as of yet the good part are still in the trunk and theres no way i will mess the car up to get them out so time and patiance is what it will take this car has not one drop of bondo on it and i plan to keep it that way

 

seems like if the parts are in the way , try 2 things, 1 -see if you can get to the hinge bolts, and undo it there, if not you should be able to cut the center rear seat/package tray brace out of the way , and wrestle enough stuff out of there to get to the latch

 

thats what i was thinking also thanks for the heads up

 

give it to me & ill take on the headache ............... steve

 

If you have to go thru the inside of the car and unbolt the latch don't forget to tape the joints on your socket and extensions so it can't fall apart in there.