Trunk lock loose

[FiatJim]

I have a '72 124 spider. The trunk lock is loose. This makes turning the key enough to get it unlatch a real&*^&*&^%$#^ challenge

The various books I have don't go into much detail about this. How can I: 1. tighten up the existing lock, 2. replace it?

JIm

[So Cal Mark]

the lock is held in with a U clip, you'll have to look at it to see if it's in place or loose

[FiatJim]

Thanks Mark.

I suspect that the lock is not original, so it makes sense that the mounting would become loose.

Jim

[ROOK1]

My '71is not held in by a "U" clip it has a threaded lock cylinder and is held in but a large nut. It is a pain to tighten as it is inset behind the panel with a small access hole. My guess is you nut is loose.

[mdrburchette]

That's how it is on my 72....and it's a bear to get to.

[FiatJim]

"My guess is you nut is loose"

Ah, geez,.. THAT sounds too painful!!

OK, after I get the furry, rodent (larger than a a mouse) smell out of the trunk area, I will have to invest in a thin open wrench and get crankin'

Jim

[amsiegel]

I have used the replacement cylinder locks on other applications (gun safes, office mail boxes). If you can fit a large washer over the back of the cylinder before you tighten down the large nut it might help. Since the metal is thin in the back of the car the nut be tightening on is last thread which could cause some play. Hopefully I will be replacing my missing trunck lock this weekend. I will let you know how I do on this.

[manoa matt]

Those retaining nuts are a special design that has 4 cuts in each side so it can be tightened with a flat blade screwdriver through the access hole. Very similar design to conduit and junction box retaining nuts.