Ghia Trunk cable - knob will not budge!

[russelltatedotcom]

Hi Guys, I searched for this problem already but could not find an answer, if anybody can shed some light i'd be grateful.

The trunk release mechanism seems to be frozen on my Ghia. Not at the latch end but at the knob end behind the drivers door, it just will not move?
I've tried WD40 a few times and tapped it with a hammer, but did not want to go too mad as I might break the original white release knob.

Luckily the trunk is frozen open no closed and the latch does move OK if you push it with your finger

Does anybody have ideas on how I can free the mechanism up?

[jeffrey8164]

I’m suspecting rust. Where the knob enters there is a steel sleeve held on by two screws. The cable itself runs through a plastic tube.
Disconnect the cable from the latch at the rear and see if you can rotate the knob. Pull the 1/4 panel and the back seat and look at the assembly. If you can get to the screws you should be able to pull the whole thing out.
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[Marcdeb]

[russelltatedotcom]

Sorry deck lid (rear)

[russelltatedotcom]

Here's the funny thing there are no screws or bolts around the knob, How do get the cable/shaft OUT to replace?

[sputnick60]

Judging by your mirrors we are talking about a '66 or a '67?

My car is a '66 and the way I removed that pull wire involved disconnecting it from the striker and giving it a heave. Out she came.

Nicholas
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'66 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet...
'65 Porsche 356C Coupe...
2005 Mecedes Benz C180 Kompressor Estate
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[Era Vulgaris]

[russelltatedotcom]

thanks I;m just not sure if it's going to budge, released or attached to the lack at the deck lid.

[Era Vulgaris]

The place it's most likely stuck is in the sheath right behind the knob.
Have you tried a prybar and a BFH?

It's possible you may just have to sacrifice this one to the Ghia gods, and buy a new cable.

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Currently own:
66 Karmann Ghia, L390 Gulf Blue, under construction, here: www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760505&highlight=
99 Mazda MX-5 10AE, Sapphire Blue Mica, 6 speed, LSD

Previously owned:
98 Porsche Boxster, silver, 2.5L -- 67 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1500sp -- 98 BMW Z3, Atlanta Blue Metallic, 2.8L I6 -- 75 Porsche 914, Laguna Blue, 2270cc -- 72 Porsche 914, Signal Orange, 1.7 FI -- 74 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1600dp -- 74 Triumph TR6 with O.D., sapphire blue

[Steelz21]

I had the same problem.
I sprayed Fluid Film down the cable and forced it through with compressed air. I did this at both ends and it’s slick operating now.

[runamoc]

when the cable breaks the rear engine lid will lift
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Daily driver: '69 Baja owned 44 yrs - Plan B: '81 Rabbit Diesel LS Deluxe - Plan C: '72 Ghia
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Outback: '69 Ghia - '68,'69,'70,'72 Beetle - '84 Scirocco, GTI - Pair of '02 Golfs-
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