newbie, kind of

[Jocephus79]

I have had my car for several years, even been registered here for over a year but this is my first post.
My car is a 71 convertable with the 455.
Not much that it needs but could use some TLC but that will come with time.
I have one question and dont know which forum to post it in but it has to do with the trunk lock. I opened the trunk today and now the key is stuck horizontal and the trunk wont latch. How much of a job is it getting the lock out of the lid???
I will check back later.

[73 Centurion]

Hi there,

Whatever you do resist the urge to try and force the key. It's a pain if you snap the key off in the lock. If the lock has been stiff the key could already be weakened.

It sounds like the key is stuck in the unlock position and therefore the trunk won't latch. The lock is also designed so that it shouldn't let the key out unless the lock is vertical. The problem is either in the lock or in the latch.

I would suggest you squirt WD-40 or other light lubricant into the lock around the key. GENTLY twist the key back and forth and hopefully you'll be able o work the key back to vertical and remove it.

The lock or latch may have some corrosion in it that is causing it to stick.

You can remove the lock if you can't get the key to work. On my '73 there is a clip that screws into the inside of the trunk. Remove that and then you can wiggle the lock out of the trunk. With the lock removed you can slide a thin screwdriver into the slot and see if the problem is in the lock or in the latch. My guess would be the latch.

You can unbolt the latch, clean and grease it. If you can't get it working smoothely get another one. If the problem is in the lock call around to locksmiths until you find one who is willing to work on your lock. They can disassemble clean and grease the lock. I prefer finding a locksmith so your trunk key matches the glove box the way Buick designed it.

If you never lock the glove box or don't care about carrying an extra key you could get another lock.

Let us know how it turns out.

John

[Jocephus79]

Thanks for the reply John
I knew enough to not force the key. I have removed the latch and it is just fine. Finally figured out how to get the lock out and did so. I have washed it out and the cylinder moves in and out, just not round and round. I am guessing that after 37 years that the tumblers are probably fubar'd.
I did get the key out but the lock still wont turn so I think I will just try to find a new lock since I dont plan on the "correct police" getting close enough to see if the trunk and glovebox locks match.
Any ideas on where to start my search????
Maybe Santa will bring me one:rooleyes2:

Oh, by the way, the clip that held my lock in was rivited in but I think that a screw will replace the rivit when it goes back together. Another point off for the correct police

[Smartin]

Most folks will just replace the rivets with screws...I see that a lot.

These lock cylinders should be pretty easy to find.

[The German]

Welcome here, Jocephus79 !
My car also is a ´71 Centurion, so I´m interested to see some pics of yours. Hope you will solve your lock cylinder problem soon and find some time for photos.:cool:

[73 Centurion]

During my divorce my ex-wife lost both sets of keys to my convertible. Funny how that happens.:Blasting:

I ended up with one key for the doors, another key for the ignition and a third key for the glovebox and trunk.

I eventually found a matched set of ignition and door locks on eBay. I'm now down to 2 keys. Yay.

I can tell you that 3 keys is not a problem at all. The glovebox lock is really useless, because the glovebox is made of cardboard. Anyone could reach up and rip it out easily. All you really need is doors, ignition and trunk.

John

[Jocephus79]

There are and have been pics of my car in the photo section
Look for Joe D. in the 71 listing under verts.
Its the blue car in front of the ugly green house

[The German]

Hey Joe, very nice car ! I´ve seen it before and ever I thought "really nice color combination" ! :xyxthumbs:
Whenever I thought about a new paint job at my car I thought about changing to such a blue also (but up to now I will not repaint my car because I guess I would be too anxious afterwards driving it ;) !).

Enjoy your special treasure !

[Richard Dunn]

Hi Joe,
I really like your '71. Although the color combination is different it reminds me of my first convertible.

Rick

[Jocephus79]

well, I have not done anything about the trunk lock since I was here last because I am lazy I guess.
I do have another question though.
Since I have the trunk release solenoid in the trunk, I finally found the button in the glove box(dont ask) but it does not work. Do I need to start with the button or in the trunk?
Is there a seperate fuse that might be blown?

[Gum,beest]

Hi Jocephus
When i bought my car it had no ignition lock
so i went on ebay en found this
http://cgi.ebay.nl/1971-73-Buick-Centurion-Ignition-Door-Trunk-Lock-Locks_W0QQitemZ190116999239QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMoto rs_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item1901169992 39&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A3%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
It also solves your problem with different key if you change all your locks at once for al new ones
It sure solved mine Hope you find this link useful

The release solenoid only works if the ignition is on but i think you already know that
The fuse is located on the left side of the fuse box the second from the top
It's a 20 amp fuse and it is for the courtesy lights, glove box and trunk lights ,trunk release , clock and lighter
If that is not the problem you can
Unscrew the cap of the switch then you can lift it out than you can check with a volt meter if you got 12 volts at one of the leeds
If you got 12 volts there you must also check the switch it self if you dont have a meter for that you can disconnect the wires from the swich en touch the wires together acting like a swich you self
If it still isnt working you can conect the wires together an check if you got 12 volts at the solenoid if you do you need a new solenoid if you dont you have to put in some new wires

after that disconnect the wires and plug them on to the switch an reinstall the switch

[Smartin]

Joe, can you hear it clicking when you hit the button?