Help--I can't get into the trunk!

minterfan · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 11:57 AM

Hello,

I'm a new user and new Alfa owner--actually the car is an 86 Spider Veloce. Anyway, I pulled on the latch to open the trunk, and the cable snapped. I tried to repair it, but no dice. Is there any other way to get into the trunk than by pulling the damnned lever? Tell me the design is not so stupid, please!

GV27 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 12:03 PM

http://alfabb.com/bb/forums/showthre...ht=trunk+cable

**Toptick** · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 12:20 PM

There is a hole directly under the trunk latch under the car. It is about 1/2 inch in diameter and you can stick a long screwdriver up to manipulate the latch to open the trunk.

minterfan · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 01:16 PM

Thanks a lot for the advice--I'll go find a long screwdriver. I read on the thread you provided that this piece is fairly easy to fix, and that you can actually get away with using the exiting cable if you loosen it at the trunk latch and then pull the slack back through the sheath and attact it to the lever. I tried to do something like this, but I cannot cut the sheath? What sort of tool does one use? I tried a hacksaw blade but made little headway.

Thanks again!

**Toptick** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 01:25 PM

Just get a new cable. If it broke once, what makes you think it won't break again?

$11.50 @ IAP. Cheap Insurance.

**sprintgtc** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 01:58 PM

I'm with Topkick, replace the cable. While you are at it, I'd recommend adding a back-up cable for the hood. There is no emergency slot up front!

Btw, the design is not stupid, just different. Like brake pads, the cable is a wear item that needs replacement from time to time. The remote release makes it much more difficult for the bad guys to break into your trunk.

AlfaRich · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 09:22 AM

Is there a back up hood release design that seems to work well? If so is there a link to it.
Thanks

minterfan · #8 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 09:39 AM

What is IAP? Do they have a website? I tried IAP.com and I think it's the wrong site. Also, do you know whether or not the parts come with instructions?

Thanks!

Farace · #9 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 09:54 AM

IAP is International Auto Parts. http://www.international-auto.com/

If you look in the Anything about Alfa Romeos and AlfaBB.com forum, you'll see a sticky thread near the top with a Suppliers list. Lots of good info to be had there.

**sprintgtc** · #10 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 10:03 AM

Alfarich: You can make a simple safety release with some heavy gauge nylon line. Tie one end to the latch mechanism where the cable attaches. Follow the route of the hood release cable back to the interior. Loosely zip-tie the nylon line to the hood release cable to keep it in place. Tie something you can grip (old key ring?) to the end inside the interior. Make it short enough to not be noticeable under the dash. Also make sure it moves freely and rotates the hood latch fully. I think the Alfettas had them from the factory and they are a good idea on any Spider or GTV.

Ghost · #11 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 10:05 AM

Hmmmmm. What do you do if you lose your hood cable and don't have a backup? Are you totally screwed? Break out the saws all?

**sprintgtc** · #12 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 11:55 AM

I have seen more than one hood with a hole cut through it!

redsofia · #13 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 02:43 PM

Through the hole in the bottom? I am having a bear of a time trying to pop it. Any advice?

**Toptick** · #14 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 05:56 PM

I went out to measure the distance that you have to reach from the hole up to the lever. I measures 7.5 inches to the lever, so make sure you have at least 7.75 inches inside the car. I took a picture of the latch, but can't get my computer to recognize the camera at the moment. I'll post when it comes back up.

Ricklandia · #15 (**permalink**) 12-13-2005, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toptick

I went out to measure the distance that you have to reach from the hole up to the lever. I measures 7.5 inches to the lever, so make sure you have at least 7.75 inches inside the car. I took a picture of the latch, but can't get my computer to recognize the camera at the moment. I'll post when it comes back up.