‘69 Full Size Vacuum Trunk Release

gtodrive · Guru

‘69 Full Size Vacuum Trunk Release

gtodrive · Guru

I am interested in where the trunk release button was specifically mounted, in the glove box area. A picture would be real helpful!

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I have installed power trunk release mechanisms in my two 2+2's, it was an option. Switch mounts in a hole in the left side of the glove box.

Are you sure about vacuum trunk release being an option in '69? I figured it would be power.

The 69 2+2 I parted out for the chassis had vacuum door locks, but no trunk release.

gtodrive · Guru

There is an illustration in the sales brochure of the trunk release button, and it is the same one used on the vacuum set-ups. The electric option began in 1970, from what I have read. Here is my plan: I have an electric trunk release unit and a vacuum switch that I have converted to function as an electric momentary switch. I want it to have the appearance, from looking at the switch, that it is a vacuum unit. I just don't know specifically where the switch should mount. I know, a lot of effort for a certain look, but whatever! smile So, yeah, I need a picture of an installed switch. This was probably a rarer option, so I may be out of luck. Clint, did you have to drill your own hole for the switch or was it already there, from the factory? Thanks for the help!

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I'll post a picture in a bit, but there should be about a 5/8" hole in the left side of the glovebox towards the ashtray.

CDN2PLS2 · Uber Guru

I had a'69 396 Caprice with it.Had a big plunger in the glove box that you pulled.

gtodrive · Guru

So I just noticed that the brochure says electric trunk release but the switch they show matches up with a vacuum switch! confuse I guess it could have been electric, but I would think the illustration would show a flatter yellow or green button. Does anyone have a trunk release option on their 69 full-size? Maybe the A- bodied cars would have used the same switch too? All I know at this point, is the switch in the brochure looks exactly like the vacuum switch I have.

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Here's a couple photo's. First is from my 1970 Pontiac brochure, it's basically the same as the 1969 brochure. Second photo is of the button in my 70 2+2 rag, I added this option many years ago. I have owned 2 x 1970 Pontiac's with factory installed power trunk releases, one was an early build, the other late, but they both had plain green button. I've also seen green button's with Trunk Release on them. Your glove box should have a hole where the button goes.

Re the button in the brochure photo's, I'm pretty sure I have one of them around somewhere, I think I got it from a late 60's car.

Power Trunk Release 70 brochure.jpg

Power Trunk Release button.jpg

gtodrive · Guru

Thanks Clint. If you have a button that looks like the brochure one and it is in fact electric, I would be interested. I will have to check the glovebox this week to look for the hole. The brochure is what threw me with the illustration of that switch. I will be curious to see if you have one that looks like that and is electric. Thanks again!

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

voila.

Power Trunk Release button 2.jpg

Lefty · Uber Guru

here is what it looked like on 63 Acadian/Nova

trunk release.JPG

gtodrive · Guru

Here is a picture of what I have, which as I understand, was used in Buick, Olds, and Pontiac models. It seems that the agreed year when only electric was used is 1970. I have seen electric units in previous year A-bodied cars, not sure if original. The unit Lefty pictured, was used in Chevy's.

I am curious Clint, is there a part number on that switch and what is the stem diameter. My 'trunk release' bezel has a 1/2" hole. Thanks!

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

No part # on the switch, just says "ARK-LES" & "USA". Stem diameter is 1/2".

gtodrive · Guru

seventy2plus2 wrote:
No part # on the switch, just says "ARK-LES" & "USA". Stem diameter is 1/2".

Yes, Ark-Les made a lot of switches for GM. I verified that would be the correct switch. If you are willing to let go of it, PM me with a price and shipping. Thanks!

gtodrive · Guru

A big thanks to Clint (seventy2plus2) for supplying yet another part for my car! Clint is a valuable resource for parts! Thanks again Clint!

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

gtodrive wrote:
A big thanks to Clint (seventy2plus2) for supplying yet another part for my car! Clint is a valuable resource for parts! Thanks again Clint!

it'll hit the postal outlet tomorrow. If we're lucky, you'll get it for Christmas.

NOS · Poncho Master!

not to muddy the water here but my '69 422 had an electric opener with a black button (like the one GTO/DRV shows) but with a simple black washer style bezel; top left corner of glove box. Door locks were vacuum.

Dale; have a nice day

gtodrive · Guru

NOS wrote:
not to muddy the water here but my '69 422 had an electric opener with a black button (like the one GTO/DRV shows) but with a simple black washer style bezel; top left corner of glove box. Door locks were vacuum.
Dale; have a nice day

Thanks Dale. That doesnt muddy anything, as I have seen variations on these buttons. The one Clint has is correct for the Pontiac full-size models. As far as location, left top corner of the inner side of the box? Thanks for the info!

North · Guru

69 American big Pontiac's had the release button (black blade similar to seventy2plus2's post earlier) on the top (ceiling if you will) of the glovebox about half way between the latch and the left end of the box. There should be a recess molded into the outside top surface to indicate where you punch the hole. You can't see it when you're in the car, you reach up and find it with your hand. Probably why it was moved to the side in 70 (green button).

gtodrive · Guru

North wrote:
69 American big Pontiac's had the release button (black blade similar to seventy2plus2's post earlier) on the top (ceiling if you will) of the glovebox about half way between the latch and the left end of the box. There should be a recess molded into the outside top surface to indicate where you punch the hole. You can't see it when you're in the car, you reach up and find it with your hand. Probably why it was moved to the side in 70 (green button).

Thanks John, I will check that out. Do you happen to have a car with that option? I was wondering if the trunk unlatch plate was included? Im still scratching my head, as to what the brochure illustration is referencing, in regards to the location. I guess I will have to let it go!

gtodrive · Guru

So, I found the 1/2 round indent marking in the top of the glove box edge. It makes sense for the location, especially with the length of the switch plunger. It would be easy to activate. I checked the rest of the box and did not see any other markings, so the top edge is where it will go.

gparis7 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

My 69 Parisienne has an electric trunk release which originally had the switch in the glovebox.

However a previous owner moved it to the drivers side under the dash and adjacent to the emergency brake release lever.

gtodrive · Guru

Sorry, that I keep hammering at this topic, but more research yielded more information. So, I pulled the glove box out and discovered several indented circles in different areas. The top indent (B), where I had intended on installing the switch, will not work. The back of that hole would be against the metal dash frame, so, it's a no go. There are other indents (C & D), that I believe are just part of the manufacturing process. I looked at the outside of the box and discovered a plastic plug (A) located at the back of the box, that corresponds with indent (A) on the inside of the box. This spot seems like the intended mounting spot. That's what I have found for anyone that cares. biggrin

ABC123 · Uber Guru

There is no problem asking questions,

I have been following this with great interest wink

I had originally thought it was located on the bump out to the lower left confuse

-- Edited by ABC123 on Friday 17th of December 2021 10:42:48 AM

Greaser · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Location for 1968 Firebird.

RPO number A91 Rear Compartment Lid Release - Vacuum Control

492 deck lid release.jpg