What is the trick

[wtaylor]

I am on my 3rd SV Alpine since 1989. The one thing I have never been able to figure out is how to easily lock the trunk. The lock sets so close to the bumper I can't get the key into it. So what is the trick.

 

[Tim R]

Do you have an original key, the head is usually wide and short which gives room to fit easily. Sometimes replacement keys are made and the heads are so big it is tricky to get them in the space available.

Tim R

 

[Greggers]

Allegedly, there were originally spacers that kicked the bumper out a bit. Search the site using the magnifying glass up to the right for “bumper spacers,” and you should find some helpful thoughts. Some folks have replaced the originals with aluminum spacers.

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

Allegedly, there were originally spacers that kicked the bumper out a bit. Search the site using the magnifying glass up to the right for “bumper spacers,” and you should find some helpful thoughts. Some folks have replaced the originals with aluminum spacers.

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

The spacers are about one inch. If you don’t have them you will damage the body work

 

[hartmandm]

Spacers being mentioned (dimensions are: ID=0.53" x OD=0.877" x Length=0.623"):





A shot showing the spacing between the bumper and trunk lock on my series V:



Mike

 

[wtaylor]

Ill have to look and see how the mounted the bumper

 

[Greggers]

Looks about normal for a car that lost the spacers. I have an aftermarket key. I ended up cutting half of it off with an angle grinder.

 

[rixter]

Your bumper may also be pushed in a bit as mine is. I never really knew how far mine was pushed in until after reading this post I went out and removed the bumper to check for the spacers. My original issue was that the license lights were blocked by the bumper a bit and were not lighting up the license plate enough. Then when I finally got a key made for my boot, I ran into the same issue with the key clearance that started this post. I DO have the spacers mentioned, but having the bumper off the car and comparing to a spare I have, I realized the bend in the middle is more my issue.

Rick

 

[wtaylor]

Finally got a chance to take a look and no spacers. So where do I get them.

 

[65sunbeam]

You pay postage and I will send a pair for free-unless you happen to be passing through Columbia, SC and can stop by!

 

[Series6]

I cut a corner off the key. Works fine.

 

[wtaylor]

Eric

You pay postage and I will send a pair for free-unless you happen to be passing through Columbia, SC and can stop by!

Eric,

Thanks for the spacers. After I took the bumper off I could see I had them. They were just flush with the body work. I went to Lowes and got some washers to try and move it out, With a lock washer at the head of the bolt I could only get the bolt to catch with 2 washers. Now I can get the key in, but once I turn it to lock I can get it out. I am going to take the key to the lock shop and see it they have a key with a smaller head or I will have to do like Nick and cut down the head of the key.