1969 GT Trunck Latch Alignment

[Leterip]

I am restoring a 69 GT350 that I acquired partially disassembled with missing parts.  It is a giant jig saw puzzle with missing pieces, so I hope that some has run into this issue.  I just installed new weatherstripping on the trunk or deck lid.  To get the lid to drop so that the lid is in alignment with the end caps and the decorative lace cross band I have to adjust the latch down.  When I do this the key lock binds because the connecting piece that connects the lock to the latch is forced down at too much of an angle and binds when it rotates in the latch Did Shelby use a stock trunk latch or did have a latch that was custom?
Any work around would be helpful too.'\
thanks in advance

[Bob Gaines]

I am restoring a 69 GT350 that I acquired partially disassembled with missing parts.  It is a giant jig saw puzzle with missing pieces, so I hope that some has run into this issue.  I just installed new weatherstripping on the trunk or deck lid.  To get the lid to drop so that the lid is in alignment with the end caps and the decorative lace cross band I have to adjust the latch down.  When I do this the key lock binds because the connecting piece that connects the lock to the latch is forced down at too much of an angle and binds when it rotates in the latch Did Shelby use a stock trunk latch or did have a latch that was custom?
Any work around would be helpful too.'\
thanks in advance

First best of luck with your project. Hopefully you have copies of the 1969 Mustang assemblyline manuals. The vast majority of the 69/70 Shelby is regular Mustang .  The various 69 assemblyline  Chassis ,Body weld and sealent etc. manuals available from most major Mustang parts vendors will be invaluable with identifying missing parts and by illustration how to install various parts . The lock and latch are regular Mustang. I am not sure if you are working on a fastback or convert but the weather strip is different for both so confirm you have the correct weatherstripfor the application .  Also besides NOS there are different after market versions some that work better then others. Danial Carpenter is a typical go to aftermarket weatherstrip. Weatherstrip would be my first guess as a possible reason for your problem after hinge adjustment has been done. Sorry this is too much for me to diagnose by remote control . Hopefully others will have some insight.

[Leterip]

Thank you for your response.  It is a fastback body type.  The "link" between the lock and the latch is the problem as it binds.  The weatherstripping is from NPD and I think this is a Daniel Carpenter part.  I had them build a custom seal kit for me.

[J_Speegle]

Yes tough to diagnose from a distance plus not seeing or knowing what has been done during the restoration. Seen many times when repairs or panels are replaced that the alignment gets out of line and things stop working as designed. Not saying for sure sine I don't know the details but a place to start. Sure you have tested the latch to see if it worked with out a load or without the connection to the "link" or lock cylinder. Then moved on to the latch and key operation with the trunk open and after setting the latch. You may be able to lightly hold on to the "link" or rod between the two to get an idea of where its hanging up or binding - at which end and work from there.

At this point it would isolate that part of the operation and more possible alignment possibilities.

[Leterip]

Yes this is an alignment issue.  The lock cylinder is mounted higher than the engagement opening in the body of the latch.  The metal link that connects the lock to the latch is at an angle that is steep enough so that it is binding within the latch so that it will not rotate.  I cant be the only one that has had this issue. 

[427gt]

i believe the link that connects to the latch can be installed upside down in the key lock. i had this problem on a 67.

[FL SAAC]

this maybe a simplistic view but do you know anyone with a GT500 or GT350 in your area?

Probably a 69 70 mustang fastback will do.

Get with them, open their trunk, take lots of pictures and then reassemble your car with the pictures taken.

Or better yet, invite them over to your house for a BBQ or make them a sandwich which ever one is your forte.

Now you have both cars next to each other.

Start assembling your car.

Best of luck with your endeavors

[Leterip]

I do not know anyone that has a similar car.  In fact the only one that I was able to photograph was a convertible that I saw at a car show and I took as many pictures as I could.  But you never get enough pictures do you.

[FL SAAC]

here are some photos of our 1969 SVT GT500

hope this helps

[FL SAAC]

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[FL SAAC]

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[FL SAAC]

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[FL SAAC]

I am restoring a 69 GT350 that I acquired partially disassembled with missing parts.  It is a giant jig saw puzzle with missing pieces, so I hope that some has run into this issue.  I just installed new weatherstripping on the trunk or deck lid.

To get the lid to drop so that the lid is in alignment with the end caps and the decorative lace cross band I have to adjust the latch down.

 When I do this the key lock binds because the connecting piece that connects the lock to the latch is forced down at too much of an angle and binds when it rotates in the latch Did Shelby use a stock trunk latch or did have a latch that was custom?
Any work around would be helpful too.'\
thanks in advance

just reread your post

make sure you reinstall these puppies on both sides

then adjust accordingly to get the proper lift so the deck lid does not sag down

[Leterip]

thank you for the pics, very helpful

[FL SAAC]

thank you for the pics, very helpful

truly our pleasure and at your service

let us know if you need additional photos of our award winning non concoursial SVT 1969 GT500