Appia S3 bootlid

[roy parmenter]

Hi guys

Need assistance – sure this must have happened to others in the past! - had boot lid repaired & re sprayed – on fitting back, boot lid shut & cannot now open! – consulted bible & duly removed rear seat & felt cover between car & boot – tried to unlock with probe but no go! – Question! – can I cut out the cross bracing struts in order to provide crawler access to the boot or is this in some way structural! – could replace with new bolted struts thereafter! – any other helpful ideas! – response appreciated.

All best

Roy

[Richard Fridd]

Could an access hole be cut where the number plate fits?

[simonandjuliet]

I wouldn't cut a hole in the bootlid, unless a real last resort.

It may be possible to undo the lid mounting bolts from inside - and without cutting the cross braces (that wouldn't be the end of the world though), then wriggle the panel whilst someone else presses the button

I will have a look at my car when we get back after the weekend if you haven't already managed to open it

[will]

I have 2nd series car for number of years. I think the 3rd series is the same.
I have never not been unable to open  the boot problems locking it.

1. I should check the lock is returning to unlock position these locks can get stuck !
2. When you try to open insert a plastic leaver just below the lock
3. In last resort cut the cross braces there only to support the seat.  See attached drawing from the parts book
your going to need to remove item 34  2 bolts (8mm spanner size) you then may be able to access the locking leaver and open the boot
or you may have to remove all four bolts

Good Luck



 

[Dikappa]

is it not possible to reach the hinge bolts easier and undo those?  I would reckon then with some carefull wiggeling (is that english?) it should be possible to free the lid from the lock?

[frankxhv773t]

I'd just cut out the cross braces. It should be simple enough to bolt them back or have then tack welded back in place.

[roy parmenter]

Thanks everyone for suggestions - Boot problem now solved – genius friend suggested removing the bolts on the hinges - get attable through the rear seat cross bracing – this enabled me to lift off the complete boot lid – on further examination we worked out that the guys who had replaced the boot fitting post the re-spay had fitted the lock barrel the wrong way round! – hence the barrel when depressed did not create the release! – turned it round and all worked well! – another crisis averted! – many thanks all your comments. - just now realised they also fitted the boot stay on the wrong way round - makes you wonder what you pay for these days!!

All best

Roy