1963 Avanti trunk latch assembly

[Leonhardt]

My father in law recently bought a 1963 Avanti and he’s not too tech savvy so he asked if I could track down a new trunk latch assembly. Does anybody know where the best place would be to get ahold of one? Will trunk latches from other studebaker cars work? 

[Dwight FitzSimons]

There's no other Studebaker whose trunk latch will interchange.  There are a number of Studebaker parts vendors you could call.  Jon Myer (Myer's Studebaker) in Ohio would be high on my list.  Also, Studebaker International (Indiana) and Stephen Allen's Studebaker in Florida.  There are others if you come up dry with those.

--Dwight

[Gunslinger]

Jon Myer would be first on my list.  When I was at his place…admittedly some time ago…he had a number of parts Avantis behind the warehouses…so he may still have some good used parts.  He may even have NOS.  My next choice would be Dan Booth at Nostalgic Motors.

[mfg]

With the somewhat fragile sixty year old pull cable release setup in mind, make sure all moving parts work smoothly and are well lubed before replacing the latch.

[Leonhardt]

Thanks for all the good info. I’ll give these guys a try

[Tom Lassiter]

The trunk latch on my ‘63 doesn’t always catch, and when it does, an unusual amount of pull on the cable is required to get it open. I’ve lubed the latch itself, but where are the lube points on the cable? Or is it just wise to replace it?

[Gunslinger]

The cable may have stretched a bit over time.  I believe there’s some adjustment at the latch.  If nothing else replace the cable.  I believe at least one vendor sells a replacement cable of stainless steel.

[Dwight FitzSimons]

Would dribbling 3 in 1 oil on the cable along its full length help lubricate the inside?  Not all of the cable is accessible, but most is.

--Dwight

[Leo B]

17 hours ago, Tom Lassiter said:

The trunk latch on my ‘63 doesn’t always catch, and when it does, an unusual amount of pull on the cable is required to get it open. I’ve lubed the latch itself, but where are the lube points on the cable? Or is it just wise to replace it?

The old trick with motorcycles: inject oil with a syringe and a thin needle that fits between the shell and the cable. This way you can lubricate the entire cable. 

Edited December 24, 2023 by Leo B

[Tom Lassiter]

Looks like a helpful tip! Thanks.

 

[Kodjo]

I've put the entire cable in a bucked filled with oil...Same for the cables under the dash. Worked great but is a bit rude...

[Footer]

These gizmos work good if you get the right size  Mike

 

https://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-08-0182-Cable-Luber/dp/B0012TYX9W

[Stefan B.]

Hi,

I cannot open my trunk at all. When I pull the latch it does not move at all - ist there any other way to open it than by using the latch? I guess something is broken inside ...

Would be very happy for any hints or tipps

[Leo B]

3 hours ago, Stefan B. said:

Hi,

I cannot open my trunk at all. When I pull the latch it does not move at all - ist there any other way to open it than by using the latch? I guess something is broken inside ...

Would be very happy for any hints or tipps

Open the trunk lid from the inside shelf. You need a torch, a long handle with a screwdriver head. the lock has a catch that the lock opens by turning

[Stefan B.]

44 minutes ago, Leo B said:

Open the trunk lid from the inside shelf. You need a torch, a long handle with a screwdriver head. the lock has a catch that the lock opens by turning

Thank you, Leo! I will try that

[Leo B]

16 minutes ago, Stefan B. said:

Thank you, Leo! I will try that

If you have carpet over the lock youll se the hole on that from inside

[Mel]

The slot in the mechanism, as referenced by Leo B above, is only maybe a little over 1/4" wide and to reach it from the inside requires a very long arm and a light.  I took an old flat blade screwdriver, approximately 18 inches long, and ground the sides down to fit into the slot.  I also zip-tied a small flashlight to the screwdriver.  As do many other guys, I just let the trunk lid rest in the released position for just pleasure driving but lock it if needed.  I keep the tool lying on the carpet in the trunk.  Good luck.

[Stefan B.]

2 hours ago, Mel said:

The slot in the mechanism, as referenced by Leo B above, is only maybe a little over 1/4" wide and to reach it from the inside requires a very long arm and a light.  I took an old flat blade screwdriver, approximately 18 inches long, and ground the sides down to fit into the slot.  I also zip-tied a small flashlight to the screwdriver.  As do many other guys, I just let the trunk lid rest in the released position for just pleasure driving but lock it if needed.  I keep the tool lying on the carpet in the trunk.  Good luck.

Thanky you!

 

[Stefan B.]

6 hours ago, Stefan B. said:

Thank you, Leo! I will try that

I just tried and it worked perfectly well. Thank you all for your help! I am new in the Avanti owners group so I really appreciate your infos and tipps