US 1987 ON REAR LIGHT CONVERSION - REYKEYING THE BOOT LOCK
{This article is also of use for UK owners wishing to put SC
rear lights on a UK spec NA} - One of the big issues with moving to the 87+
tail lights is changing out the lock cylinder, as it is different as well. To
enable you to use the same key as before, you will have to rekey the lock. It's
quite a bit simpler than you think. Just make sure you have a clean workspace
and ample light, as you will be working with very small parts.
Here's a pic of the lock assembly:
1) Turn the assembly on end and remove the cam's E-clip. (sorry for the
blurry pic)
Here's the cam removed:
2) Now, simply remove the protective rubber boot.
3) Here comes the part where you have to watch out with tiny pieces falling
out. Remove the cap, by simply prying up on the bottom edges.
4) Remove the cover by gently prying on the 2 tabs. The flap and flap spring
may fall out. If not, remove them.
5) Now, you need to disconnect the cam extension from the cylinder. Do that
by removing the E-clip holding them together.
6) Slide out the extension
And slide out the cylinder.
7) Now, insert the key you will be using into the cylinder. You will notice
that a few (all?) of the wafers do not line up with the edge of the cylinder
(shear line).
8) Make note of which do not line up. Remove the key, and gently remove those
wafers. They will simply lift out by your fingers. You may need to insert a
small screwdriver from the bottom to help push them out.
Be careful of the springs and ball bearings that are hidden underneath the
wafers. They should stay in place with the wafers removed.
9) Exchange positions of the wafers that do not line up. And by trial and
error with inserting the key, you should be able to come up with a pattern that
allows the wafers to line up perfectly with the cylinder.
In my case, I ended up having one wafer that would never line up. So I simply
just removed it from the cylinder all together. I suppose it's very possible to
switch the entire set of wafers with those from your old lock cylinder (or even
the cylinder itself?). I don't have my old one off the car yet, so am not sure.
Anyhow, the above method works fine!
Before putting everything back together. Clean up the old dried up grease,
and apply fresh grease to the parts.
10) Assembly is opposite of the removal. Be careful of lining up the flap
spring, flap, and cover.
