dracdirect

I bought a 1984 Trans Am that I hope to one day turn into a Knight Rider car but it has been a battle so far. Ended up having to rebuild the engine and transmission and I am finally getting to the interior where I ran into a problem. After buying new carpet and the leather seats out of a 2002 Camaro SS, I went to open the back hatch and I cannot open it. Seems the guy that had it before thought it was necessary to remove all the locks from the doors and back latch. This didn't really bother me since I plan to shave the doors anyway, but now I cannot get the back latch open and I cannot access any of the mechanism from the small hole in the back. When I climb into the tight spot inside I only have access to through a small hole where the light goes. I cannot remove the panel since it must go over the latch where it locks because, even through it is loose, it will not come out.

If anyone has any ideas on how I can open this I would appreciate it. Would like to get to my next phase but really don't want to resort to cutting out trim panel to get to the latch! I have had a really rough time finding parts for an 84 TA (as opposed to all the other years) and don't want to damage anymore than I have to. Also, if anyone has a right hand fender for a 84 TA let me know, I would be interested.

rodrob1961

FOR ABOUT $10 YOU CAN GO AND BUY A NEW KEY CYLINDER AND INSERT IT IN THE LATCH MECHANISM AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO OPEN IT. PROVIDED THAT IS ALL HE REMOVED FROM THE HATCH.

dracdirect

There is nothing there but the hole. Nothing to insert it into. I have attempted to fish around in there with a wire but cannot find anything. There is nothing there, not sure what happened.

rodrob1961

I LOOKED AT MINE THIS WEEKEND. FROM THE LOCK CYLINDER GOING TO THE LATCH ITSELF IS A FLAT ROD ABOUT 3-4 INCHES LONG. YOU'D NEED A LONG, SMALL FLAT TIPPED SCREWDRIVER TO GET AT IT.

dracdirect

I finally took the light out and was able to undo the 3 bolts that hold the latch down. After getting it open I see what you mean, I could have got a screwdriver in there and just turned it to unlock it. Somehow I was missing it before. I have since closed it up and and unlocked it with a screw drive without any problems.

rodrob1961

COOL! I LOVE THIS SITE! SO MANY PEOPLE WILLING TO HELP EACHOTHER OUT. NOW ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PUT IN A $10 NEW LOCK CYLINDER AND YOU ARE GTG!