Help Decking 48 Merc

I want to deck my 48 Merc coupe using the original trunk latch and a cable release. I'm using "key stock" inside the latch with a bar welded at 90 degrees with the cable connected to the bar. The key stock fits inside the latch great but I can't get sufficient cable movement to pull the latch open. The spring inside the latch takes a lot of pressure to move the handle. I tried different lengths on the bar I suppose I need some type of swivel. Can anyone tell me how was it done years ago before poppers?

 

Somewhere in my collection of articles I have that info. Let me see if I can find it. I converted mine, using a long are to move everything, but since have switched out to a 97 cougar electric.If you don't hear from me in a few day's, drop me a PM, as I get side tracked sometimes.

 

First of all, lengthen the release key stock handle for better mechanical advantage against the spring load of the deck latch.

Measure how far the handle must pull to release the latch and mark the lid.

Then pull the cable from the housing and shorten the housing to give yourself more pull length on the key stock handle as noted by your new measurement.

Align the cable for the best straightest pull on the new release handle and mark for mounting the cable housing clamp.

You do have a clamp back there on the cable housing, don't you?

 

Thanks for the info! It seems I was going in the right direction. I just have to keep on plugging.