57 trunk lock

[Ken A.]

The trunk lock mechanism keeps coming loose, and falling out when we take out the key. Is there a trick to keeping it in place? Do I need to bend the retaining clip on the back side, or what am I missing? The fiberglass around the whole is a bit worn, but it is covered up by the 'backing plate' that goes around the lock.
Thanks
Ken

[Roy B.]

Re: 57 trunk lock

Yes a good idea but I would also add some of that liquid rubber seal to help hold it and keep water out

[John H.]

Re: 57 trunk lock

I couldn't get my '57 trunk lock retainer to stay engaged either, and fabbed a small aluminum retainer with a 90* bend at one end that attached with one small screw - the other end sat against the bent flange of the lock retainer so it couldn't disengage from the lock cylinder.

[Ken A.]

Re: 57 trunk lock

John, am I understanding you correctly that the small screw, screws into the back side of the truck skin? I'm not at home and I am trying to visualize this.
Ken

[John H.]

Re: 57 trunk lock

Ken -

I did that ten years ago, and sold the car five years ago, or I'd take a photo for you. I made a simple aluminum retainer about 1" wide and a couple of inches long, with a 90* bend at each end forming a flange about 1/4" long. One end went against the flanged end of the original lock retainer clip, holding it in the engaged position on the lock cylinder barrel, and the flange on the other end had a small hole drilled in it for a small self-tapping screw, and was attached to the lock housing formation in the inner trunk lid panel.