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1976 Cadillac Eldorado Trunk lid pull down & latch problem

Started by mtravinski, July 20, 2021, 04:25:28 PM

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mtravinski

After installing new trunk lid weatherstripping on my 1976 Eldo convertible I've encountered two problems: #1 is the pull-down trunk motor is running in a continuous loop. It pulls down, stops after about five seconds, tries to release and then attempts to pull down again. This cycle is continuous until I take the key from the trunk lock. This all started after I tried to adjust the latching by loosening the motor housing anchor bolts and lowering the entire mechanism to get the trunk closer to the position it was before the new weatherstrip installation.
#2 is the upper latch actuator on the lid itself appears to have a piece of plastic or acrylic held on by two black rivets missing on it. I believe from reading about it this is part of the pop-up feature of the system. Prior to the weatherstrip install I noticed some small pieces of plastic on the trunk floor. After looking around and not finding where they came from I dismissed them as just a bit of debris that got into the trunk from something else.
I've included a photo of the actuator showing the remnants of the plastic piece under the rivets.
Any advice or insight on these issues would be greatly appreciated.
Thanx,
Mike T.

J. Skelly

Yes, there is a gray plastic part in the trunk latch assembly that is riveted.  My '77 has one.  A small piece came off, but the remote latch release assembly works.  On mine, I accidentally bent the rod slightly that pushes up on the lid.  Instead of making multiple attempts to get the rod correctly straightened out so the remote feature worked again, I put in another assembly.  Regarding the plastic piece, I'm not aware if any reproductions are being made.  As I recall, it is riveted to the bottom side of the trunk lid.  Hopefully someone will chime in here as to where to get another one.   

I would try to reposition the latch assembly to where it had been prior to replacing the weatherstripping.  It should be a tight fit, and hopefully the new rubber will compress slightly.  After a week or so, try making adjustments to the positioning of the latch assembly AFTER marking with a felt marker where the latch assembly was when it was still working properly so you have a correct point of reference.
Jim Skelly, CLC #15958
1968 Eldorado
1977 Eldorado Biarritz
1971 Eldorado (RIP)