Trunk Latch Adjustment

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Is it just me, or is there some finesse involved in adjusting the truck lid / striker plate on a '51 Hornet. We've moved that plate up & down its full range, but can't seem to get the latch to engage. Thanks for your comments, if even concerning my (limited?) mechanical abilities!

JC

Comments

  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    This may sound silly, but is the latch already latched? If it is in the closed position, it won't latch until you manually open it. Bet you did that already.. Just thinking out loud.

    If you have a new trunk rubber gasket, it's going to be tough. The 54 I just did has the latch adjusted all the way out to the maximum and the trunk is still difficult to latch. Hopefully the rubber gasket will take a set and make it easier to latch.

    Good Luck, Dave w
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Just went through this with my 51. Not only did I have to adjust up and down, but in and out. Maybe mine was kissed in the rear end at one time, but that did the trick.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    I had the same problem on my Jet, and the actual surface on the latch plate was worn, so that it did not move the latch far enough to click over. A touch of arc weld on the surface and grind it to the right shape soon fixed it.

    Geoff.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Thanks for all the great suggestions. We found that halfway down the slot was the ideal position - a balance point between latch activation and body contact. Case (strike that) Hatch closed!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    It was the 2nd or 3rd round of moving the plate a little at a time...no rocket science here, probably just gradual deterioration of weatherstripping and latch surfaces, as suggested above.



    Jon
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited November 2013
    How did you determine the correct adjustment point? Just curious to hear if there is an 'easy' way to make that adjustment, rather than a lot of trial & error... Sounds like you've had quite a 'learning' experience.

    Hey Rick! Nice Avatar. Saw that pic in the Hudson-Aire!

    Russell
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