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Power windows, power door locks, trunk release; when will it stop? It won't be long and we will be driving our cars via remote control from the couch. Well, that will never happen, driving our cars is the best thing about this hobby, but adding creature comforts like air conditioning steering and so on is the way to go. Now to up to a car show, back into your spot and hit a button that will the trunk open would be just way too cool!
The Eckler's Classic Chevy Electric Trunk Release Kit PIN 57-172625-1 is designed to work in conjunction with the stock trunk lock cylinder unlike other conversion kits.
57-172625-1 1955-57 Electric Trunk Release Kit
57-142227-1 1955-57 Trunk Lock Retainer
Pliers
Wire Cutters
Stripper
Vice Grips
Electric Drill with 3/16" and 1/4" Drill Bits
Cut-Off Wheel or Grinder
Hacksaw
Image 1: The stock trunk lock cylinder is coupled to the trunk latch assembly with a solid flat shaft. The stock shaft will be replaced by the new shaft and clutching device that will allow the trunk lid to be opened with either the key from the outside of the car or with the new electrical solenoid from the driver's seat.
Image 2: The clutching device fits between the trunk lock cylinder and trunk latch assembly.
Image 3: If you measure the clearance between the inner and outer trunk skin on ten cars, you will get ten different measurements. When installing the clutching device between the trunk lock cylinder and trunk latch, it can sometimes get tight. The drum of the clutching device must work freely and not be in any kind of bind.
Image 4: If necessary, the inner framing of the trunk latch assembly can be trimmed to allow for more clearance.
Image 5: A 1/8" stranded cable connects to the drum of the clutching device. The cable wraps around the drum and when pulled by the electric solenoid, the drum will rotate and unlock the trunk without the lock cylinder turning.
Image 6: The clutching device shaft for the trunk latch is extra long for other applications. Install the clutching device shaft into the latch and mark the shaft leaving about 1/4" through the latch and cut to length.
Image 7: The electric solenoid mounts on the driver's side of the trunk lid between the inner and outer skin. When the solenoid is activated, it will pull the stranded cable and unlock the trunk latch. With the modified trunk latch installed in the trunk lid, install the clutching device into the latch on the inside of the trunk lid. Now, the electric solenoid at about 4:00 o'clock to the clutching device aiming the ram of the solenoid in the direction of the cable and drill two 1/4" mounting holes.
Image 8: The cable loops through the hole in the end of the ram and connects back to itself with the supplied cable clamp. A pair of channel locks or vice grips will work fine to crimp the cable clamp. With the solenoid and clutching device installed on the outside of the inner trunk skin, wrap the cable around the clutching device drum making sure it is seated in the groove of the drum. Next, loop the cable through the hole in the solenoid ram and take the slack out of the cable. Now, cut the cable to length and using the cable clamp, clamp the cable into place.
Image 9: With the cable installed on the solenoid ram, the ram may be removed from the solenoid for ease of installation.
Image 10: With the cable and spring attached to the clutching drum, install the clutching drum to the trunk latch. Clip a pair of vise grips on the latch shaft to hold the drum in while connecting the trunk lock cylinder.
Image 11: The trunk lock cylinder is held in with a retaining clip PIN 57-142227-1. Feed the lock cylinder through the trunk lid and connect it to the clutching device. Next, anchor the lock cylinder in using the retaining clip. Now, remove the vise grip from the shaft on the inside of the trunk. Turn the key making sure there is no binding or dragging of the clutching device between the lock cylinder and trunk latch.
Image 12: The clutching drum has a return spring that will keep tension on the cable. Drill a 3/16" hole in the inner trunk skin to connect the return spring to. Wrap the return spring around the clutching drum clockwise as you are looking at the drum from the inside of the trunk lid, making sure the spring is in the groove of the drum and attach the spring to the hole in the inner trunk skin.
Image 13: Next, mount the electric solenoid between the inner and outer trunk skin using the supplied hardware. Wrap the cable around the clutching drum counterclockwise as you are looking at the drum from the inside of the trunk and install the ram back into the solenoid. The corrugated rubber boot on the solenoid will keep tension on the cable. Once again, turn the trunk lock key to make sure everything is working freely.
Image 14: Mount the supplied trunk release switch in a location where you can reach it from the driver's seat like under the dash or in the glove box. Using the supplied wiring diagram, wire up the switch and before closing the trunk lid, test the trunk release button several times to make sure the solenoid is operating.