Before I break something, I would like your expertise on how a 36 terraplane coupe locking trunk handle works. Not been locked in 50 years but from the dry west and was missing the key. A locksmith made a key for me; the tumbler turns but the shaft seems to be frozen. My theory is that is that the inner steel shaft is corroded and bonded to the pot metal outer housing -- any hope of separating them? My understanding of the principle of the lock is that, when locked, only the t handle itself turns...and that, when unlocked, the t handle engages the shaft and turns the mechanism to open the trunk. Is that correct...or am I not understanding correctly?
do not force it, 50% chance you will break it! when locked, a small pin locks the t-handle and holder together. When unlocked it turns. I can not remember the direction to turn key to lock-unlock.
Thanks much Bob. Today I was able to fairly easily remove the key tumbler. I will take a better look when I get back to it, but at first look, I don't see a pin - whole or broken. I may still not understand exactly how it works.
The lock pin is about 1/8in square, should be a cam on the tumbler barrel to push it into the side of the holder to lock it. a spring to push it down to unlock.
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