power trunk??

[brads70]

Sorry for all the questions but I just got the new buggy home. Looking at the trunk latch I see what looks to be a power trunk? Where is the release button? Was this a stock option?

[miketyler]

I dont think it was a factory option on any ebody but lots of folks have retrofitted theirs with electric release units. Its a very cheap mod to do.

[brads70]

Thanks! I'll just have to "follow" the wire and find the button!

[Jim]

Chrysler used the same type of trunk (and hood) latches almost universally for 20+ years. Later M-body electric latches can be easily retrofit to earlier vehicles. There was also a vacuum operated latch used in the 60s and maybe into the early 70s.

Hood latches are of the same design, so you can actually install an electric hood release if you're so inclined. Might create a bit of a dilema with a dead battery though. 

Dealers sold a retrofit kit over the counter, and you can still find them.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Hood latches are of the same design, so you can actually install an electric hood release if you're so inclined. Might create a bit of a dilema with a dead battery though. 

It's not too bad, i have one. A stubby flat head up through the grille will pop it. Only thing is the battery is in the trunk lol.  (just have to jump/boost it from the starter relay to get into the trunk)

[71 DEPUTY]

AS STATED- lots of m bodies in the scrap yards- most are mounted on the trunk lid- but will work!!!

see pic- in my 71 chally!

[tommyg29]

Brad,
I'm resurrecting this because I think I have a "power" trunk also, like the one in the picture above. The seller had mentioned it and I forgot about it, but noticed the other day a wire dangling from the harness next to the latch and wondering where the black wire connects to it?
and...
have you figured out how to operate it yet??

oh wowwww
this is my 1000th POST!

[ShelbyDogg]

I use a 12 volt relay to drive the solenoid in the trunk release. One side of the coil is hot and the negative side is grounded when I hit the 3rd button on my remote or the button in the glove box.  Make sure that you install a diode across the relay AND one across the trunk release coil as both of these generate a high voltage when you release the voltage, just like a coil generates a spark.

This might upset any computers that you might have like my EFI computers. If you just hve 70 wiring and devices then don't worry about the diodes.

[JayBee]

There was this picture of Tony's old car showing some kind of trunk release.

[brads70]

Here is a picture of the unit in my car. Funny with all the other mods I'm into I totally forgot to chase the wire and look for a button somewhere?
It looks to be a little different shape than everyone else's?

[tommyg29]

yep,
Brad, yours looks like mine. From what Ive found these didnt come on ebodies but were easily taken from other mopars. I think it says lectron on it, or something like that.
Now I have a black wire dangling from the area and cant find where it went. Any closeups of the wiring to it?
Thanks.

ps, just noticed that space saver spare is not correct for an ebody. Spent hours and hours over the past few weeks researching them. If its anything like the one I just snagged off ebay its a ford spare! Looks very similar, bfg tire, but the rim is different and of course doesnt have the right #s, etc., But.... they sure are a LOT cheaper! and for my show use with a cloned car, Id have been crazy to spend that kind of $$$. Only the "experts" will know the difference.

[tommyg29]

ok, here ya go.
It is a lectron, which from what I can tell is manufactured in 
and they may make carbs too? along with lots of other aftermarket stuff, but cant find anything specific about this unit.
Can anyone help?

[tommyg29]

looking at the pictures again I think I'm getting somehwere.
Mine is missing a little arm I see on Brads coming from the round hole, and Brads may be missing the electronic gear that Tonys has to flip the arm?
Am I going down the right track?

[brads70]

That arm is just the new trunk lock arm . As far as wiring goes it's just one heavier black wire that head up front somewhere?

[Challenger6pak]

There was this picture of Tony's old car showing some kind of trunk release.

This one is from a late 60's early 70's Cbody.  The only problem with them is that they run on vacuum.  They won't work unless the engine is running.  2 of my cars have them.  They were installed in the early 80's.