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Trunk won't latch on my 1996 Cutlass Supreme
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noliah
Novice
Sep 23, 2011, 11:06 AM
Post #1 of 11
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Trunk won't latch on my 1996 Cutlass Supreme
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I won't deny that my car, a 1996 Cutlass Supreme, though while having a good engine, is pretty much of a mess otherwise. The problem I'm facing right now is that the trunk won't latch. The car was in an accident years ago, and now things are just not lining up, things like the latch in the trunk. How do I keep it closed? I realize that I won't be able to get it to lock, so I just want to keep it closed. I've even gone so far as to putting duct tape on it to keep it closed, but that gets old real fast. I've thought of gluing a magnet just inside the opening, but I'd really like to know if there is another way.
I'm beyond middle age, so I don't think I can do anything "heavy duty", but any suggestions would be very welcome. Thanks! 
(This post was edited by carjunky on Mar 27, 2013, 4:47 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 23, 2011, 12:51 PM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: Trunk won't latch
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You could go redneck and bungee cord it down to the bumper but that's about your only choice without repairing it.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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noliah
Novice
Sep 23, 2011, 5:21 PM
Post #3 of 11
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Re: Trunk won't latch
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Thanks for the reply.
I tried the bungee cord route, and it did kept the trunk lid from flying open, but it's obviously not a complete closure. It will do in a pinch, but here in Florida we can count on a daily rainstorm this time of the year, and that means lots of water in the trunk. I'm going to find some of that polka dot duct tape to at least insert a bit of whimsy into this aggravating situation.
My sister said not to install a magnet because "magnets create sparks".
This is a pain. The car looks sad as it is, but now with the duct tape it's all a bit much. I think the Universe is giving me a lesson in humility. 
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 23, 2011, 5:29 PM
Post #4 of 11
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Re: Trunk won't latch
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You don't have to tell me about Florida weather. I'm about 100 miles further south than Sanford where you are. You have collision damage. You don't have too many options. Keeping all the water out is likely impossible.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 23, 2011, 7:35 PM
Post #5 of 11
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Re: Trunk won't latch
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Not an auto body tech but many of these items likely have some wiggle room to adjust them. Jaws must retract to re-receive probably a hook on the bottom or some sort and latch up on the lid.
If warm enough and out of the rain a wet vac and lift up any rugging material to get it totally dry as you can. Use Lysol or equivalent or things could start growing in the dampness.
Good luck,
T
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 23, 2011, 7:59 PM
Post #6 of 11
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Re: Trunk won't latch
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This is a good idea. Wouldn't be too hard to implement that for the deck lid.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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noliah
Novice
Sep 25, 2011, 12:15 AM
Post #7 of 11
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Re: Trunk won't latch
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 Thanks everyone, for all the replies and the laugh from that photo. I can already tell that I'm not going to fix this situation without sending a great deal of my dignity packing in the process, but I guess there's worse things that could happen. I'll keep trying different things and see if anything works before I move the jack and tire to the back seat and just cement the trunk lid shut forever and be done with it. If I come up with a solution, I'll re-post.
Thanks again to you all for the replies.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 25, 2011, 7:37 AM
Post #8 of 11
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Re: Trunk won't latch
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Noliah: That can be fixed with near free used parts if needed. Site is here to be fun AND helpful by real techs so enjoy away,
Have fun and hope we can help..........
T
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Mr.scotty
Enthusiast
Sep 25, 2011, 8:33 AM
Post #9 of 11
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Re: Trunk won't latch
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Could you post a picture of the damage so we all can have a look at it?
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Your only as good as your tools!
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noliah
Novice
Sep 30, 2011, 4:50 AM
Post #10 of 11
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Re: Trunk won't latch
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I'm sorry I didn't check on this message until today! I'll be posting a photo later today.
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noliah
Novice
Nov 16, 2011, 2:41 AM
Post #11 of 11
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Re: Trunk won't latch
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I want to say thanks again to everyone for their replies, and to say that the problem has been solved. Last Saturday, someone ran a stop sign, slammed into me and totaled my car.
Problem solved.
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