Electric trunk release for 72 Skylark

I am looking for a used complete electric trunk release assembly for my 72 Skylark.
Thanks
Tim

 

Check the other GM cars in the boneyard. For some reason Buick did not have this as an option for the A-body,70-72. Full size, mid size, doesnt really matter. They are all the same. Mine is out of a '76 Electra. Grabbed another while at the yard from a 76 Camaro. Mounted in the Camaro differently but the same thing.

 

I have an article on our site for this installation.

www.buickperformance.com/pwrtrunk.htm

 

Steve,
They WERE available for '70-'72 A-bodies! :Smarty: :beer

Tim,
Try a search for Chevelle forums, and log in as a Chevelle owner! Tell them WHAT you're looking for (Power Trunk Release), but DON'T tell them (it's FOR a SKYLARK)! :shock:
If you tell them you have a BUICK, they'll charge you $80 for a $20 kit! :Smarty: :spank:

 

I removed a pwr. trunk latch from a 70-72 skylark about 20 + years ago and it sure looked factory installed to me even the hole in the glove box was perfect and wiring was taped to floor. If it wasn't factory the dealer sure did a excellent job.

Bill

 

Looks like I was in the dark about factory installed releases. Have not ever seen one or heard of someone that has it factory. Heard the trunk lids were pre-punched/drilled to accept the rod connecting the solenoid to the latch mechanism, in other GM cars. This was for the factory cars only? Must have been very few cars made with this?
I was aware the other A-bodies had them, Olds & Chev.. something told me Buick did not.
I just didn't see a good spot in my '71 glove box to mount the switch. I ended up putting it under the dash, in the horizontal brace, just above & right of the park brake release.
Installed the wiring in the plastic floor wiring channel while the car was apart for resto.
I found out about the install initially on George N.'s site.

 

I have 2 original pwr.assm. in my cars and they both fit in between the trunk sheet metal and actuate the lock shaft mechanism. You can't even see them unless you peer through thre opening. They must be rare I can't recal seeing many others like these. I removed both of these and transplanted them many years ago from Skylarks/GS. Buick shop manual has more info.


Bill

 

Steve,
I bought 2 NOS Power Trunk kits at a local BOP swap meet, about 2 years ago! :bglasses: They are available, I've even seen a few on Ebay, recently! :Smarty:

In case you don't know, a Chevelle trunk lid is the SAME as a GS trunk lid (completely interchangeable)! So, if it fits for a Chevelle, it will fit for a Skylark/GS! :TU:

The latch is exactly the same, except the solenoid is part of the assembly. It fits as original, with the solenoid hidden in the trunk! :bglasses:

 

The one piece set-up that sits inside the lid is hard to find and those usually go for big money. The much cheaper and easier to find 2 piece units were on available on all GM cars from 71-76. The pic in the article on our site shows the 2 piece version. I will soon be adding the 1 piece unit pics.

 

Anyone have a pic/drawing as to where the button was installed in the glovebox?
Be interested in this. I once considered mounting it in the liner itself but was too flimsy.
Maybe a bracket was available to put it in the opening at the top of the liner?

 

All the ones from the full size cars I have seen, the button was located just below the plunger for the glove box light. When I install them in Skylarks, I put them their for people who buy cars that I build.

For me, I install the switch near the parking brake handle......no need to lean
over, open the glove box, hit the switch and then close the glove box.

You could always install a second "dummy" switch in the glove box location to fool the "experts." :Brow:

 

George,

Neat idea. How 'bout 1 step further and make both functional? Should be easy enough. I always wondered why they put in the glove box. o No: Trunk theft deterent?

Bill

 

The 2 NOS complete kits (1 piece latch/solenoid, wiring, and buttons), I got for $40 (each), at a local BOP swap meet, last Fall.o No:

I recently passed on another complete kit, on Ebay, that sold for $75, too.
That's not "big money", I don't think, either, compared to other parts, anyway. o No:

I like Features to be "Hidden in plain sight", as a Stock appearing vehicle! :TU: Check it out:

In one of my cars, I removed the Buick "plate" in the dash, just to the right of where the clock/tach should go, and I installed the Release button there! I "spring loaded" the plate with a magnetic latch (like on entertainment center doors), so it doesn't even look like there's anything out of place. When you push the Tri Shield emblem, it pops open to reveal the Hidden Power Trunk Switch! :bglasses:

In my other car, I removed all the (cigarette) Lighter parts, installed the Release button Behind the dash, and put in a dummy Lighter. When you press the Lighter, it pops the trunk open! No Smoking in my cars! :Brow: :beer

 

I added pics to the article last night of the one-piece pwr trunk set-up. Now you can compare the two.

 

Scott,
Do you have part numbers for the NOS kit. Only numbers in the parts book are for a tailgate release, on a wagon. Mentions in part about a harness for '69-72, switch for '67-'68 & '73, '74-'76.

 

Steve the one I have is Gr. 12.243 and part number 1 #996545, not sure what year it is. Thanks Bill Sangster.

 

ttt
Still looking for a one piece unit.
Thanks
Tim

 

Bill,
The numbers you have don't appear in my Cdn. GM parts book. I'm thinking these were available as an accessory too. Thanks for the help.
Any possiblity you can post a pic?

 

Steve, I could not find then either, but that is the number on the box. I will try to post a picture of the box and unit but not until next week. Working on getting the old 70 ready for Kearney Ne. this Sat. Thanks Bill.

 

pictures of unit

Box