|
remote trunk release ideas needed |
Post Reply 
|
| Author | |
alreadyinuse 
New Member 
Joined: 03-July-2025 Location: NoCal Status: Offline Points: 22 |
 Post Options
 Thanks(0)
 Quote Reply
 Topic: remote trunk release ideas neededPosted: 15-October-2025 at 6:01AM |
|
So the '72 Gran Torino Sport project car my son and I are working on came to use with a shaved trunk lock and the previous owner painted the car BUT they never installed any remote trunk release LOL
We removed the back seat and opened up the trunk, sadly no treasure in the trunk except for the knowledge that the previous owner didn't think this modification through all they way. I removed the trunk release and can see they welded up the hole, so I'm thinking our options may be: 1) A replacement trunk lid and painting 2) Finding a remote trunk release that can bolt in. I think a mid to late cougar electric trunk release may work with little to no modification? 3) try to undue the previous owners work and maybe the original trunk echelon will cover up any blemishes We are not able to bring this '72 GTS back to original condition (not in the budget) so we're okay with the shaved lock if that has to stay Thoughts? |
|
 |
|
|
72 RS 351
Senior Member 
Joined: 04-September-2014 Location: Knoxville TN Status: Offline Points: 3443 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15-October-2025 at 6:07AM |
|
Try a Crown Vic trunk latch if they might work, there should be plenty of those in JY'ds. If you can find a latch that will adapt to your trunk, then the wiring shouldn't be hard. I would prefer the stock one though, and the cover piece is very large.
|
|
|
Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000 rpm 351 stroker 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W |
|
|
|
|
alreadyinuse
New Member
Joined: 03-July-2025 Location: NoCal Status: Offline Points: 22 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15-October-2025 at 6:31AM |
|
Thanks.
I was hoping the previous owner gooped a bunch of bondo in there LOL. It looks like a metal plug (circle) and probably bondo on top. I think I can drill a pilot hole from the rear and then slowly remove the bondo to get to the welded piece. Does anyone has a measurement for the original trunk echelon so I can get an idea of the coverage area? Thanks, Joe
|
|
|
|
|
californiajohnny
Moderator Group 
Joined: 05-October-2013 Location: winlock, wa Status: Offline Points: 14723 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15-October-2025 at 8:20AM |
|
my 74 had a trunk release in it but not hooked up... my car was green and someone painted it black
but the inside of the trunk lid was shiny black with the jack sticker still, so it leads me to believe the trunk lid was swapped, im guessing from a 75ish cougar (same lid but fancier car so it probably had an electric release?) so find a latch unit and it will bolt in then run a wire! |
|
|
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE 74 VETTE CUSTOM 90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED 77 CELICA CUSTOM 75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED 79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED 75 VEGA V6 5 SPD 70 CHEV C10 P/U 68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION |
|
|
|
|
alreadyinuse
New Member
Joined: 03-July-2025 Location: NoCal Status: Offline Points: 22 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15-October-2025 at 8:54AM |
|
I'll have to start searching for mid 70's cougar truck releases. Anyone know what other electric trunk releases would be an easy swap on the '72 Torino?
|
|
|
|
|
pyntre
Senior Member
Joined: 29-March-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 275 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15-October-2025 at 10:54AM |
|
If you want to keep it really simple use a cable , like a choke cable
with the black knob on it . Mount it behind the license plate by the fuel filler . Put a return spring on the trunk latch mechanism so when you pull the cable it pops the trunk and then closes the latch . I have it rigged exactly like that on one one my old Buicks , works perfect and cost about 25$ to rig up . Just an idea , there are many .
|
|
|
|
|
alreadyinuse
New Member
Joined: 03-July-2025 Location: NoCal Status: Offline Points: 22 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15-October-2025 at 12:20PM |
|
I've done something similar before, but sadly the release is on the trunk lid, so a cable would have to run up hinges along the lid to the latch.
|
|
|
|
|
pyntre
Senior Member
Joined: 29-March-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 275 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15-October-2025 at 3:05PM |
|
Yes that would pose a different challenge!
|
|
|
|
|
Sak7788
Member 
Joined: 08-August-2025 Location: GA Status: Offline Points: 45 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15-October-2025 at 5:33PM |
|
Run it inside towards the back seat
|
|
|
|
|
pyntre
Senior Member
Joined: 29-March-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 275 |
Post Options
Thanks(1)
Quote Reply
Posted: 16-October-2025 at 4:28AM |
|
Though it’s not a Ford part
, some mid 60’s GM cars had vacuum trunk releases too . A flexible vacuum line run back that way may be an alternative option. Just throwing it out there ! Best of luck with the project!
|
|
|
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
| Tweet |
| Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |
Topic Options