71 rear compartment lock

[Mike E.]

I'm working on a 71 LT-1 convertible that has been sitting since the late 70's. I had a key made by taking the spare tire lock off the frame and a locksmith made a good key with a "B" keyway. That key works fine in the lock for the compartment behind the seats--turns the tumbler, etc. HOWEVER---the lock will not depress to release the tang that will allow the compartment lid to open. How do I open this without breaking anything? The plastic surround that holds that entire unit to the car has screws in it, remove those, and the whole thing will come out, but you have to get into that compartment before you can remove those screws.
How do I get the tang to release in order to open the compartment? Or how do I get in wihout breaking anything?
(In the compartment, no doubt, is the original owners manual, protect-o-plate, window sticker, bag with shims, rolls of unmarked $100 bills, and more.)
Thanks in advance for your help

[Jim T.]

Re: 71 rear compartment lock

When the center compartment lock is unlocked, the key slot should face towards the drivers side. When you push down on the lock button it should retract the piece that catches. Perhaps is is retracting but there is enough interference from the surrounding edges of the trim that the compartment will not come up easily. A 90 degree bent awl might help to raise a corner if you can fit between the trim. The latch may also be frozen. It is sping loaded, it will push in easily when closing the compartment and catch to hold it down. Some rust penetrant might help free up the latch. Good luck

[Wayne P.]

Re: 71 rear compartment lock

You should be able to fish through the jack storage area and possibly depress the tang if nothing else works.