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Wed Mar 17, 2010 2:29 pm

This is on our '69 Squareback. The rear hatch was rattling so I adjusted the side and bottom strikers little by little until the rattle stopped. I gues the last step was a bit to tight as the rear hatch won't open. Live and learn. Can I open the latch from inside? The rear hatch has no trim cover on it. I did a search but found a result for a newer car, '73 which I undertsand has a different latch mechanism. Yes, it's unlocked.

Wed Mar 17, 2010 3:27 pm

you should be able to trigger it from inside; you'll need to crawl over and take a look at the striker/release...

I'll bet if someone on the outside pushes the button, you may be able to pop it open from inside easily...

Thu Mar 18, 2010 12:08 pm

Yikes really tight down there. I see a slot between the ends of two bolts/screws. I assume that is where I need to slide a screw driver tip. And just double checking, the picture below shows the trunk unlocked, correct?
I have tried it both ways but don't want to get in and start prying on a lock latch.

Thu Mar 18, 2010 2:40 pm

Yes, that is unlocked.

Thu Mar 18, 2010 3:19 pm

Thanks. Just paranoid and wondering I'd it was stuck locked.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 7:32 am

Have you tried having someone push the button from the outside, while kicking the gate from the inside? It might open that way, then you can rest the latch plate, once it's open.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 7:56 am

Bobnotch wrote: Have you tried having someone push the button from the outside, while kicking the gate from the inside? It might open that way, then you can rest the latch plate, once it's open.

Yes that was the first thin we tried. Just back from soccer games so I'll have a go at it again today.

Mon May 03, 2010 2:07 pm

OK, over the past few weeks we have tried all of the above and then some. Can I just unbolt the hatch from the inside and lift it off?

Mon May 03, 2010 2:13 pm

Drill out the lock, and then find another latch.

Tue May 04, 2010 7:05 am

Russ I think I'll pursue your idea. Can I re-key these locks? I just want to check before I get one and find out it's the only non re-keyable lock in VW world. Thanks,

Sat May 22, 2010 2:33 am

Finally got another lock and had it rekeyed yesterday. Drilling out the old one tomorrow. Once I have the lock drilled out and removed, can I assume I'll be able to trip the latch with a screwdriver from the outside?

Sat May 22, 2010 3:49 am

mywifesghia wrote: Finally got another lock and had it rekeyed yesterday. Drilling out the old one tomorrow. Once I have the lock drilled out and removed, can I assume I'll be able to trip the latch with a screwdriver from the outside?

you should be able to do so...

Sun May 23, 2010 11:17 am

Drill to open about 60 seconds. I thought I had over adjust the striker. Well I think the real culprit was a pebble a little larger than a BB that was just enough to keep the latch from releasing. Dang it.