Trunk Lock Finial Nut?

iceblade10

Does anyone have any information on what is supposed to be attached to this threaded piece on the trunk lock assembly? (see pic)

I assume its a finial nut of some sort?  Anyone have any idea on where I could get one?  Thanks.

Frankvintagefullflowcom

I could be all wet, but I think that's a "custom" job of attaching the ass'y by way of a bolt through from the inside. Not original equipment is my guess. Replace it with a slightly longer SS bolt and add a stainless acorn nut as your finial nut. Only a Hudson aficionado would notice and/or the judges at Pebble Beach. 

F

Ric West IN

Should have a pivoting stainless cover for the lock cylinder. These are often missing

Frankvintagefullflowcom

Looks like the end of a 1/4 NC bolt to me. I don't think they held the key-hole cover on with that, but I was wrong once before. 

F

iceblade10

It looks like Ric is correct.

I had an epiphany this morning to simply google search for pictures of the trunk lock, and see what other cars look like.  Many of them DO have these covers missing, but some still have them.  It looks like a chrome teardrop, that must have a socket that screws right on to the exposed threading.

Now I just need to find an ol' timer that has a few of these stashed away in his sock drawer...

Frankvintagefullflowcom

I never doubted that there was originally a SS swing cover over the key slot. I just don't think that's the way it was attached. I'm willing to get re-educated. The last thing I want is to live out my twilight years erroneously thinking I was right on this one.

F

Glowplug

The "tear drop" has a cast in stud at the pointed end of the drop. When installed into the door lift housing the stud occupies the hole cast into the lift housing. A spring is also part of the "tear drop" whose function is to cause the drop to cover the lock face. All held together by a clip on the rear of the rear drop stud.

iceblade10

Thank you, Oldfarmer!  Sounds like Frank was right about the bolt in my lift assembly being a creative "custom" job, then... LOL.

My guess would be that there's a little nub on the cover that fits right into that little V-shaped notch below the lock, and the spring helps keep it tightly-fit when not in use, eh?

I'll keep my eye open for one of those covers, but have a feeling one won't be easy to find... Maybe I'll post in the other forum and see if anyone has one.  Henrietta is not complete without it! ;-)

RichardD

Here is what mine looks like ('53); showing backup lights{100w} and back-up camera but also a good keyhole cover.

click on photo>

allan

The cover on a 54 Wasp is attached differently and are usually still intact.  These are much easier to find and usually the chrome itself is horrible and therefore the part is much cheaper.  Anyway, remove that cover and drill out yours a little to fit the larger stud and reinstall in yours.

Allan

DavidC

The 53 Hudson cover is potmetal, the stud goes through the trunk emblem, and is peened/riveted on other end.  No screws or bolts.  I replaced mine with bolt and acorn nut after it broke

allan

The 54 Wasp is stainless and held on with a clip in the rear.

joe53HH

My 53 cover broke also. If anyone has a replacement cover (54, 53 or whatever) I would be interested. I have heard some of the early 50's Chevy's also used the teardrop shape lock covers.