I was doing some tinkering on our 98, and decided to check and see the difference between 98 and 2000 on the trunk latch assy. Since the 98 NEVER pops up when you open it. I think the 99 is the same as the 98, and that 2000 and newer are the same.
Pics are below.....
The latch assy and the upper striker plate assy that bolts to the decklid MUST be replaced as a pair,
as the 2000 striker plate (see above pic) has the latch part welded on approx 3/8" closer to the passenger side of the car. The upper one is the 2000 part, the lower one is the one out of the 98. There are also 2 shim/spacer plates between the striker and the decklid.
The 2000 latch assy uses a different bolt location for the lower bolt, but there is a factory hole there already, so I just had to install a nut and washer, and it fit perfect! You can see the main difference in the 98 vs the 2000 latch assy is the release spring and arm. It really works well to release the lid, compared to the original one.
Best of all, no mods to the car were needed to install it. No new holes or anything. Now the decklid actually OPENS when you hit the release !
[ 05. March 2004, 05:03 PM: Message edited by: Steve da Wrench ]
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
Teri uploaded the pics for me Thanks! Posted by BrostalSS (Member # 1830) on :
I had the same problem with the trunk not opening. I took the easier route and put in a bigger spring. Can you say, ejector seat?
[ 08. March 2004, 07:18 PM: Message edited by: BrostalSS ]
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
Well, thats not necessarily possible to do when the car doesnt originally even come with the parts to add the heavier spring to. I may end up adding the heavier spring also, just to help out, but its still much better than it was. BTW, what spring/source did you use??
Posted by SSHEETS (Member # 1989) on :
Who has a spring recomendation for the replacement mod?
I'm so sick of my lid not openening until the 5th or 6th try. I've adjusted the bumpers until my face is blue!!!
Nice work Steve. BTW My bro's El Camino is going to recieve a 406CI SB instead of the LT1 or LS1 transplant.
Posted by BrostalSS (Member # 1830) on :
If I remember correctly, It's a 1 5/8 inch spring that I purchased at Home Depot. It is a royal pain to get on, so be careful. But It works.
Posted by SSHEETS (Member # 1989) on :
Thanks Blake. is that 1-5/8 long compressed?
Posted by BrostalSS (Member # 1830) on :
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