Power Trunk Release.

[Lou Perfetto]

Does anyone have the original vacuum power trunk release in there car? If you do, was it operated by a vacuum canister and a button in the glove box or did it have a plunger with a knob you pulled out. Pics would be great!
Thanks, Lou

[65GSConv]

This view was in the 1965 Buick Full-Line All Models Brochure from back in 1965. It certainly was a vacuum system, but I don't know if this was a vacuum-creating plunger handle or if it was attached to a valve that allowed engine vacuum (via a vacuum reservoir) to pass through it when pulled. Plus note that the item is not listed as an option for Skylarks. Are you looking to add it to a 65 Gran Sport?

[GS66]

I have one on one of the 66 Gran Sports. When I get home later this week I can get a picture.

[Loren At 65GS]

1965 was the first year that Buick didn't use a vacuum canister with the plunger in it. Here is a picture from the Buick Club of America Forums that Tom Mooney posted some time ago. There are three trunk releases shown . The release on the left is from 1963. The release in the center is from 1964 and finally the release on the righthand side is from 1965. With the '65 style plunger, there was a dedicated vacuum tank as part of the system.

  Loren

[Lou Perfetto]

Yes,
 I want to put one in my GS. Great info. Thank you to all that responded. I have the trunk actuator. The 64 version plunger type will be in my car until I can find the right lever, but I will be popping that trunk. 
Lou   

[gssizzler]

Didn’t the small series use the plunger style that went into glove box!? And the big cars had canisters under the hood!

[65GSConv]

Didn’t the small series use the plunger style that went into glove box!? And the big cars had canisters under the hood!

See the second posting here. in 1965, there was no power trunk opener for the small series, just the large series. That may have changed in 1966, but I think the question was what was used in Buicks in 1965.

[Loren At 65GS]

Didn’t the small series use the plunger style that went into glove box!? And the big cars had canisters under the hood!

See the second posting here. in 1965, there was no power trunk opener for the small series, just the large series. That may have changed in 1966, but I think the question was what was used in Buicks in 1965.

 There was an automatic trunk opener available for 1965 Special series vehicles. See the attached picture taken from one of my Buick parts books. This book is for 1965 only and was effective December 1, 1964.
 
 Loren

[Brian]

The plunger style vacuum trunk release was used in 64 and 65 Skylarks--same exact setup came in both the 64 and 65.  It is shown in the 65 Skylark accessories manual that came in the lit set with the operators manual and warranty manual.   The picture Loren posted above from the BCA forum applies to the larger series Buicks.  The actuators pictured in it fit the different year larger series Buicks.   
  The first two pictures I attached below are of the vacuum trunk release in my red 65GS. 
  I can also confirm that the vacuum trunk release in a 66 Skylark uses a vacuum canister under the hood fed by engine vacuum and a button inside the glovebox to actuate it.   The second three pics I attached are of the vacuum trunk release setup in my 66 Skylark.  The last pic shows the vacuum canister mounted to the firewall behind the engine. 

[Loren At 65GS]

Thank you Brian for the pictures and helping to clarify. I don't recall seeing the trunk release system in a '64 or '65, although I was aware that it was available. It would be interesting to know if it was something that could be ordered and installed during assembly or if it was a dealer installation option.

  Loren

[65GSConv]

Great thread on the topic of powered trunk releases. It seems the 1965 Buick Full-Line brochure is in contradiction to the sheet Loren has (especially if the availability goes back to 1964 Specials)  and what Brian actually has in his 65 GS, which is pretty convincing proof.

Not to steer this thread away from it's excellent focus, but maybe a question for a future thread - were vacuum power door locks available on 1965 Buick Specials/Skylarks?

[Loren At 65GS]

Not to steer this thread away from it's excellent focus, but maybe a question for a future thread - were vacuum power door locks available on 1965 Buick Specials/Skylarks?

 Interesting question .  If you look at a door latch mechanism , it certainly looks like it would be able to be adapted for power locks. Something I've been toying with for the Sport Wagon.

  Loren

[wildcat65]

I can verify that the 65 Full Size release was a valve and the vacuum source was a cannister inside the front passenger fender.
I purchased a 63 Special Wagon that has a pump mechanism for the vacuum release on the hatch. The hatch also has a release under the bumper.
 

[Brian]

I will try to remember to take a pic of the page in the accessories manual and post it tonight.

[gssizzler]

The plunger creates the vacuum so a separate vacuum canister should or would not be need! I have a original unit for a 65 also has the vacuum plunger, lock/latch unit and the universal which turns to either use the key or release! I will try and get some shots of it! Vacuum locks On the small series first appeared in 68 I believe!