Trunk latch not working

[1967stang302]

So I decided to replace the gas cap on my car. I had to move forward the brace that guards the fuel intake pipe and the trunk latch. A piece popped out that is about two inches long with a crescent shape on the end. My friend closed the trunk and it locked, now when I put a key in the lock it just spins.

I figured out kind of how to open the trunk by going through the backseat which I have not done yet. But I was wondering if anyone knew where this piece goes before I go through the trouble of taking out the back seat to get into the trunk from the wrong side. Ideas? Questions? comments?


EDIT: The part that popped out was the Truck Lock Stem Extension and I'm wondering how to put it back. Anyone?

 

[2+2GT]

So I decided to replace the gas cap on my car. I had to move forward the brace that guards the fuel intake pipe and the trunk latch. A piece popped out that is about two inches long with a crescent shape on the end. My friend closed the trunk and it locked, now when I put a key in the lock it just spins.

I have replaced many gas caps on all years, including pop-off caps, and I never needed to disturb the latch.

I figured out kind of how to open the trunk by going through the backseat which I have not done yet. But I was wondering if anyone knew where this piece goes before I go through the trouble of taking out the back seat to get into the trunk from the wrong side.

EDIT: The part that popped out was the Truck Lock Stem Extension and I'm wondering how to put it back. Anyone?

Quite right. You must remove the lock from the taillamp panel, insert the extension into it, and re-install the lock with the extension protruding into the latch.

 

[1967stang302]

OK, so does anyone have any input on maybe where in the lock assembly the extension bar goes and maybe it's orientation or some useful information.

Please avoid replies of telling me how you are a better mechanic than I, I'm not here to stroke your ego, just to fix my trunk.

 

[2+2GT]

OK, so does anyone have any input on maybe where in the lock assembly the extension bar goes and maybe it's orientation or some useful information.

Please avoid replies of telling me how you are a better mechanic than I, I'm not here to stroke your ego, just to fix my trunk.

a) Sure, I'll try to find a photo.

b) This isn't a private conversation- Other readers might read your description and get the idea they need to pull the latch to replace the gas cap.

OK, here goes:

The hook end of the extension:

View attachment 169168

Inserts into the rectangular opening on the back end of the lock, and secures by they spring coiled around the end.

The extension enters the rotating rectangular slot in the center-left of the lock shown here:

If the lock was not installed when your friend slammed the lid, just stick a screwdriver in that slot and open it as if the screwdriver was the key.