Visit our Popular Forums

Splinter · 07-30-2010, 11:11 PM

Working on the back area of our 68 Tradewind.
Have a couple questions:
First, our trunk access has a handle at the bottom that turns and closes the door but the top has nothing holding it in place. There is an opening under the license plate light. Was there a lock or something there at one time to hold the trunk closed? And how did it work or look?
Second question, if we decide to help secure that door so it never flies off, should we think about a piano hinge or does anyone have any other suggestions? PO has already added chains with screws to all compartments which is nice but is that enough?
Really could use a picture of back of that door, can only find front views.
Thanks for any help.

TouringDan · 07-30-2010, 11:27 PM

Splinter

My 66 Tradewind rear access panel fits into a horizontal slot at the top with a lock at the bottom. It is reasonably secure. I can send photos if you like, but first I need to figure out how to post them.

BTW I saw the before and after of your interior and you did a marvelous job.

68 TWind · 07-31-2010, 05:58 AM

The rear hatch door just slips into the frame and the top and the latch holds it at the bottom and the sides. There no mechanical fasteners on the top only the latch mechanism at the bottom. The hole under the license light was a vent for the battery box which sits just inside the rear hatch.

Splinter · 07-31-2010, 07:04 AM

Ours goes into the frame but I don't see anything at the top that it should slip into. I must not be understanding something.

SilverHoot · 07-31-2010, 07:45 AM

Maybe you can post a pic of what you have so that somebody here can see if it's original. My 67 is just like Bruce describes.

Splinter · 07-31-2010, 10:04 AM

Ok I figured it out. New everything was original just didn't realize how slick this worked. I was just sitting the door into the frame not sliding it up and under. Thanks everyone. I guess it pays to be brave enough to ask stupid questions when the answer is right in front of you.
Another question:
This is the picture of the hole I was talking about under the License Light.
Does this look correct? It's just a hole???
Thanks, Splinter

SilverHoot · 07-31-2010, 10:57 AM

My battery was in a different location and the vent hole has a cover over it. If that is the vent hole as Bruce says, it appears to be a larger hole than mine. Mine is no more than 1/2" dia. and the vent hose fits tightly in the hole.

68 TWind · 07-31-2010, 11:05 AM

Looks just like mine on my 68.

Splinter · 07-31-2010, 07:46 PM

Ok so now you are leading me to another question:
What do you mean by a vent hose and why would the battery need one?
I think I remember a piece of tube laying in the bumper area yesterday when I was cleaning it out. Can you explain more???
Thanks, Splinter

68 TWind · 07-31-2010, 08:29 PM

When lead acid batteries are being charged they give of hydrogen gas which is explosive and therefore the battery compartment needs to be vented in some manner. The battery in your Trade Wind sits just inside the rear hatch, the 67 was a little different. I have never seen an original battery box or how is was vented but somewhere, sometime time on the forum someone said that was what the hole was for. If you are using one of the new type sealed batteries, off gassing is not an issue.