Upgrades:Ke55 boot release

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KE3x/KE55 Boot Release

Giving your KE30/KE35/KE55E or KE55S a boot release is quite simple. Firstly you'll need a boot latch from a KE70, AE71 or Corona like an RT133 or ST141. You will also need the boot release cable and popper from an AE82 or AE92.

Firstly, remove the original latch from the bootlid. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/08022008013.jpg Here it is next to the KE70 latch. (NOTE: I never tried using an AE82/AE92 latch. It may fit too with new holes drilled.) You will be drilling new holes into this latch as the original KE3x/55 holes don't line up. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/08022008014.jpg Place some masking tape over where the new holes will go as the drill bit will want to slip when drilling. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/08022008015.jpg Line up both over one another and mark with a pen/pencil through the old latch. Make sure both the catch areas line up through each other. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/08022008016.jpg Pick a drill bit big enough so that the original bolts will be able to be use to reattach the new latch. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/11022008.jpg Here is a pic showing the latch with its new holes. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/11022008001.jpg This picture shows the new latch attached in the place where the old sat. Test the latch moves by inserting your key into the lock and twist. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/11022008002.jpg If the boot doesn't close, loosen you catch plate bolts and slide it up as far as it can go, then tighten them. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/11022008003.jpg



Take your AE82/AE92 popper and cut off the fuel release lever with an angle grinder. Since the car has no fuel door it doesn't need it. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/15022008003.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/15022008004.jpg



Now to thread your cable. You will need to remove the back seat, either completely remove or remove the far two drivers side nuts front and rear from the drivers seat and lastly remove the sill plates. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/12022008.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/12022008001.jpg Pivot the drivers seat towards the passenger and pull the front carpet out into the drivers footwell. While the seat is up thread the release cable through under the carpet through the holes in the frames and into the boot beside the petrol tank. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/12022008002.jpg



With the bolt removed, slide the popper through the hole in the drivers seat support frame from the back forwards. Rest the flat face of the lever on the inside of the tunnel. Once in and the lever is sticking out of the hole, you will have to use your best judgement to mark where the hole will go. Note: If its too low, the lever will be crooked. if too high, you wont be able to bolt it on. Then remove the popper and drill that hole. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/12022008003.jpg The reason we use the AE latch is that it bolts onto the car to its right while the KE70 popper attaches from above. The space in that support frame is quite minimal compared to a KE70. Even this popper while attached from the side will scrape when popping the boot. Another reason why we don't use the KE70 one is that they are extremely rare and hard to find.

Now attach the cable to the popper and thread it though the frame one last time. Position the popper so that the bolt that attaches it can line up with it through the hole. NOTE: The popper pictured hasn't had its fuel door cut off yet. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/12022008004.jpg Again while using your own judgement, fold the carpet back over and with the best of your ability make a small incision so that the lever fits through. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/12022008008.jpg



Now you may put everything back together. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/12022008007.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/120220080092.jpg

Here is the finished latch in my KE30 Sedan. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/Prpic/Boot%20Release/15022008005.jpg

--Jon 03:25, 27 May 2008 (EST)