Wiring routing for power trunk release

[Bob Alberini]

Can anyone advise how the routing runs through the deck lid of 71-72 "B" body (LeSabre and Centurion) models when the power trunk release option is added? It would seem that the wiring should run through the trunk lid but there seem to be braces within the trunk lid that prohibit anything but an external routing. If anyone has done this or has a car equipped with it from the factory, it would be interesting to know how this is done. Thanks.

[Smartin]

The 71's didn't route the wire through the lid. The actual solenoid was located at the latch base.

I just looked at the underside of my trunk lid, and there is a small hole (maybe 3/8") located on the left side of the hinge attaching point. You should be able to fish the wire all the way to the latch point. It will be tricky, though.

[EEE]

The one's I've seen have had a wire through the lid somehow and it comes out at the left hinge and attaches to it with two clips.

[dewbers]

Hey guys, I'd like to add this to my 72. Were they available back in the day as an option? Any suggestions as to where I could find one nowadays? I am constantly in and out of the trunk and would love to push a button as opposed to wearing out the lock cylinder....
Thanks!
Steve

[Smartin]

Yep, they were available. The design changed from 71 to 72. The 72's had the whole unit bolted to the trunk lid itself, and the 71's were a 2-piece unit that had one piece on the lid, and the other piece was mounted at the latching point on the body of the car.

[drail1eye]

What about one for a 73?

[Smartin]

I'd imagine it's the same as a 72, but I don't have any personal experience with the 73 trunk release.

[dewbers]

Thanks Adam, now the next obvious question is.... where to find this unit?
Is it available? Or do I just start looking?
Thanks!
Steve

[Smartin]

Gotta look on parts cars, or post wanted ads on the various Buick forums. They're not really hard to find, but you need to stay on top of it to find one.

[73 CONVERT RON]

Hey guys, I'd like to add this to my 72. Were they available back in the day as an option? Any suggestions as to where I could find one nowadays? I am constantly in and out of the trunk and would love to push a button as opposed to wearing out the lock cylinder....
Thanks!
Steve

YOU CAN GET A NEW OLD STOCK ONE FOR ABOUT 45 BUCKS AT WWW. BUICK FARM.COM :Brow:

[centurion 455 ragtop]

On the 73's it is bolted to the lid. very easy to install. I wired mine in the same harness with the trunk light and ran it under the carpet into the glove box to the switch mounted on the glove box wall. Then the hot lead I ran behind the dash to the fuse block.

They are pretty common. Steve I'm shocked :Brow: I thought you would have gotten that already...time to do some searching there.:xyxthumbs:

[dewbers]

I have one. Got it from Kimson back in the summer. Convert Ron was watching out for me by re-posting this... I have one in a box at home. It's part of my winter project list. (That seems to be growing!) (Will start a new thread somewhere to share that info!

Thanks Ron and Rick...

[73 Centurion]

I added this delightful option to my car. I had to trim a bit of metal from the trunk lid or it wouldn't work. That was probably caused by my getting the wrong opener. I don't remember what car I got it from and I thought all 71-73 were the same.

In my car there is a tab of metal at the top of the glove box that the button screws into. This is a handy location, very easy to find by touch. My Acura has the release button on the drivers door just below the arm rest. That's a wonderful location and I'm considering sneaking one of those switches inside the inner door handle well.

I wired mine up with a relay so that the car alarm can open the trunk. It's very nice to be able to pop the trunk open from the keyfob remote.

If you're considering installing an alarm system in the future you might want to wire in a relay. Some alarms have internal relays but most don't and they can't handle the power to run it directly.

One last note on alarms. GM sent way too much power through the key switch for most remotes to handle (for the starter interupt). You'll need to add a Ford style external ignition relay.

John