Hey all - has anyone tried - or seen this done before?

I've searched but can't find anything in this forum specific for my issue.

I have a 67 beetle with the "T" engine lid lock. I have picked up a really nice deck lid with louvres in it, problem is the locking mechanism has been taken out / deleted. There is no locking handle, it has been welded closed and smoothed over with body filler.

I want to use it (for the louvres) - as I'm not real keen on stand offs, but I also want it to lock. I started sanding it back, noticed the filler and thought it was just bogged up - so easy to take back to stock... however I then noticed the weld from underneath, which is potentially a lot harder to remove/restore.

- has anyone retro fitted an electronic latch/release mechanism on their beetle?

- any ideas or thought?

There is a thread on here that was started many moons ago. If my memory serves me well, I think Boof either made or was making a movable lid but don't quote me..

Doesnt Birchall have one on the Orange Smoothie?

So the Inner panel has been removed and modified so that the brace between the inner and outer panel that the lock spindle slides through is missing? The outer blanking piece was probably made to sit within the indent for the T-handle boss.

However, If you wish to go electric then it's just a solenoid attached to the locking plate of the decklid. May need to operate by a lever to get the correct travel ratio between the plate and solenoid travels.

I used to do remote locking on older vehicles by nipping to the scrappies and garbbing some door solenoids from fancier cars but sure they're available cheap from Ebay these days.

Thanks guys. I will have to take some photos. I have had to rush in to work early so couldn't get any this morning.

The inner support panel has not been removed. It appears there hole, in the outer skin, has been welded closed from the inside, then it's been bogged over from the outside. So potentially it is reversible? When I noticed the weld I stopped sanding.

So I'm thinking either:

1. electric deck lid release;

2. Seeing if I can set up the locking system for the front bonnet into the back, will have to get a spare and play around with that; or

3. Leather straps.

I'll get some photos up. If anyone can locate that old thread that would be awesome. I couldn't find it.

Found it. but, it opened from the top to help cool the motor at speed.....

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=61279&page=1#pid582550