Ok so I know theres a write up somewhere on the national forum on this, but WE dont have it here (or i cant find it)
this MOD is for those who want to clean up the trunk lid on there b-body.
BEFORE:
first drill out the 2 factory rivets holding the back emblem on, (here the bowtie, if you have an impala just use floss or string to cut the 3M tape from the back)
next remove the light with the 2 phillips head screws, under the light you will see 2 rivets holding the lock's retaining clip, drill these out.
will look like this:
remove the clip and set aside.
next pull the lock cylinder out,
will look like this:
you want to cut the rod down to 2 1/2" from the bend
next find the spot directly under the hole you pulled the light out of... measure and mark a 3/4" space here, you want it almost centered slightly to the bottom though... (found that out the hard way)
use a punch or a phillips head to mark where you'll drill.
drill a pilot hole
and then drill it out to 3/4"
next take the lock cylinder and test fit it in the hole (lock will be upside down now).
carefully feed the rod through the hole in the trunk and then into the slot used to open the trunk lid.
use a dremel or file to open the hole up until it will slide in and butt up against the 4 bumps near the chrome.
mark these with a marker on the trunk and remove the lock.
you will have to use a dremel or small saw to cut these slots out
file and test fit as you go, take your time...
will end up with something like this (yours might look nicer)
after its slides in with no effort (keep filing till it does)
you can slide the lock into place being sure the rod goes through the slot in the truck release.
use the factory retailing clip and cut it so its just a "U" shape with a little bit of metal hanging off the top (cut the circle part that was held with the rivets completely off) you can reach the lock from the drivers side access hole in the lid and slide this clip onto the lock with ease. (dont wanna lose the lock)
trim the factory light a bit so it fits with the newly relocated lock. Now i did this and i had problems with the key turning because of the key hitting the lens. i tried to shave down the lens but still nothing. make sure you test the key after installing the lens back, and BEFORE closing the trunk. mine hits, so i either A) have to think of a new light idea, or B) shave the round part of the key a little bit. i think i may have located the lock to high (maybe a 1/8 inch to high) but idk. make sure you measure really well before drilling the pilot hole,
after your done you can weld, fill, or cover the factory hole in the lid for a custom clean look.
possibilities are endless
Home 
Calendar