Cable released hatch?

[260Zed]

Has anybody seen a cable release mechanism for the rear hatch fitted to the first gen zeds? Also an idea of the difficulty involved, parts used etc? Any help will be appreciated.

If so ill be using this to get rid of nasty key locks

Luke

[drunkenmaster]

The difficulty is, if you have a closer look, the latch mechanism is in the hatch lid, not the tailgate making cabling very difficult for all but electric solenoid release.

[260Zed]

yeah i know, solenoid you say...hmmm. That'd still be a PITA to fit id reckon. Don't suppose you know of a vehicle that would've come with that standard?

Any other suggestions?

[Mr Camouflage]

Yeah VK belina all VL commodores (maybe not the base model).

Just pop down to your local wrecker and pick one up. Should be dirt cheap, if not go somewhere else.

Then you just have to modify it to work the 260z latch mechanism.

Or custom make a latch so that its in the boot, not the hatch.

[St.stephen]

I beleive MSA and victoria british here in the states sell a kit for electronic latches and "keyless" entry.

[drunkenmaster]

Originally posted by Mr Camouflage

Or custom make a latch so that its in the boot, not the hatch.

As far as I can see that is not easily done as the catch/hook is mounted pretty much outside of the car above the number plate not leaving much room for a latching mechanism and at the same time you hardly want people to be able to access the mechanism from the outside.

As far as i can see the only practical way is electric but the two pitfalls are:

a) you will need some sort of mechanical back up in case the solenoid dies or you have a dead battery

wiring will have to be visible between the body and hatch, perhaps where the demister wiring is.

[260Zed]

Thanks for your help guys. I'll pick some vk berlina bits and have a look-see.

Ill keep you posted.

Luke

[WalterMondale]

Here is a link to hybridz.org for this very subject.

http://www.hybridz.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=29744

[260Zed]

Well I just finished it off today. I used a fuel cap cable from a Telstar (Mazda 626 Type) which was about 3m long. It runs up the pillar then into the hatch and around to the lock. The lock is still able to be used as normal, tho I think I'll shave the lock at a later date.

Looks pretty good I reckon. The cable is only visible at the lock, A lot of fiddling around to install though. I'll post pics when I can borrow a camera, if anyone is interested.

Cheers

Luke

[drunkenmaster]

Photos would be great to see, and it only took a year

Not like I am one to talk about project length and cost though

[EScanlon]

Well I just finished it off today. I used a fuel cap cable from a Telstar (Mazda 626 Type) which was about 3m long. It runs up the pillar then into the hatch and around to the lock. The lock is still able to be used as normal, tho I think I'll shave the lock at a later date.

Looks pretty good I reckon. The cable is only visible at the lock, A lot of fiddling around to install though. I'll post pics when I can borrow a camera, if anyone is interested.

Cheers

Luke

With 3m worth of cable (118 1/8") you could get that almost to directly behind the driver's seat in the tool box area. Is that where the release handle is? I wonder if using a gas door cable from a minivan would allow you to put it near the hood one, or down on the floor like the newer gas doors.

Enrique

[sblake01]

With 3m worth of cable (118 1/8") you could get that almost to directly behind the driver's seat in the tool box area. Is that where the release handle is? I wonder if using a gas door cable from a minivan would allow you to put it near the hood one, or down on the floor like the newer gas doors.

Enrique

Or even the cable and lever from a 77-80 Datsun 810