Topic: Power Trunk Switch

[Virg54]

Does anyone know how hard it work be to add, provided the parts can be located, to install a power trunk option?

I have the deluxe wiring harness - lighted kick panels, lighted glove box, and so on...

It might sound like a silly idea but, hey, it could be a nice addition...

Thanks, in advance...

[brian c]

Not hard at all. All you need is a switch and the solenoid. There's (1) wire running from the switch (stock location is glovebox) to the solenoid in the trunk. The solenoid picks up its ground from the bolts holding it to the lock mechanism.

Probably one of the simplest upgrades to do to these cars.

[Virg54]

Very cool !!!

Thanks Brian for that confirmation !!!  Now for the hard "part"...as in finding the parts....

I have been looking around for the solenoid part and have found lots of postings saying that it will fit the 2nd gen Firebirds, but with several variations....

Can anybody out there post a picture of the actual unit?

[brian c]

If nobody else posts up, hit me up via PM to remind me to snap a shot this weekend as the Y88 is equipped with the electric trunk release. It may take me some time as I have to get a 6 month old boy to sit still for 5 minutes while I do it...no small feat in and of itself.

[Virg54]

Thanks, Brian, I REALLY appreciate your willingness to help.  Let's see if anyone posts anything.  If you can do so, without being too much trouble, that would be great but do so only if you need a break from "parental unit" duties...

[ponchonutty]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360468650332?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

This one will work.  He shows some pictures with the latch too but that part won't work.  It comes apart.  Then you just need the switch and some wire and you are done!

[eroc022]

I dont think that one will work.... different mounting positions..... f body ones are all over the place... and two of the mounting bolts for the latch are whats used to hold it together....

[Virg54]

Too bad...I thought I had the mystery solved...I guess I am back to needing a photo of one physically attached to the car..., preferably a '81...  It would be nice to know years match up to '81 but I have looked everywhere for a factual reference (plenty of opinions...) and have gotten no where, and, of course, the GM dealer no longer has those records...

[eroc022]

Hmm ill go up to town and get a pic of mine for you tomorrow

[ponchonutty]

You can modify the Monte Carlo (mid 70's-88) to work.

Then there's this one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1975-1976-TRANS-AM-Z28-ELDORADO-ELECTRIC-TRUNK-RELEASE-SOLENOID-CHEVELLE-/380528318405?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58994157c5&vxp=mtr

[eroc022]

380528318405 eBay item number, it's brand new too

[eroc022]

Haha good timing poncho

[Virg54]

Thanks, Poncho,

I may go that way but I would like to try to keep it original as possible.  If I find out what  the exact part would be, I will try to find it.  Otherwise, a modified unit will my next approach.  Thanks again.

[ponchonutty]

Keep in mind that finding a "correct" part number is going to be almost impossible.  Many of these things were added on at the dealer and part skew #'s changed all the time when the overall unit did not.  The one in my last post will be the one you need with out modifying anything.  I've done this conversion in about 3 of my Firebirds by now and done others for friends too.

[Virg54]

Hi Poncho!

I hear ya!  I am not really looking for part numbers as much as I am looking for a photo of the correct unit.  If you say this is the real deal, I'll go buy it.  While the correct unit MAY HAVE been used in later years on other models, 1981 was the last year for the 2nd gen and who knows what kind of weird stuff they did to use up inventory and stuff. 

I copied the photos from ebay and am going to TRY to post them here so future viewers of this thread will know what we are talking about...

 Thanks again!