Fiat Dino Forum (FDF)

Winter arrived in France and that means that Plastic parts are getting brittle; so I noticed

When opening my trunk by pulling the plastic handle in the door sill, it broke in 2 pieces

Now I am looking for an original replacement: anyone????

Jos,

I may have the plastic lift opener that goes in the door sill--On my coupe it is chrome metal. Let me check and see what is in the spares box. I'll do that over the weekend and get back to you.

Bert

Jos,

Last night I rooted through the spares kit and sure enough, there was a door sill latch for the trunk release. It's black plastic but has the FIAT name molded at the top of the lift lever. I do not have the key for the cylinder but I checked and all the pins are free. I think a locksmith could cut one using the cylinder.

What I do need is a empty Dinolex AEC 103a case----don't need any internals since I want to install the Bosch solid state switch inside. If you have one of these, perhaps we can swap parts?

Bert

Hi Bert,

thank you for your effort in getting the black plastic opener.
Unfortunately I do not have a empty Dinoplex case. Sorry.
No issue with respect to the lock: I do have one still with the working key.
So I could swap that easily.
Would like to buy it from you; can you send me our price by PM?
Are you by any change living in the Netherlands (Bert seems to be a Dutch or Flamish name?).
I am! Although living in France.
regards,

Jos

Jos,

I have no idea whatsoever about the price of the trunk latch but I will ask around on the forum and see what the consensus is. Shipping overseas may cost as much as the sill latch. On a related note, I was thinking about replacing my 42 year old trunk cable BEFORE it decides to break and lock me out of the boot. I have found good flexible cables with a Teflon liner and plastic outer core at my local motorcycle repair shop. The mechanic tells me that they are shift or throttle cables and he can get them in lengths up to 82 inches (which I think is about 5 inches too short). Since you're into this project, it's something to consider.....

No, I'm not in Europe but I am living in South Florida on the Gulf of Mexico where today the temperature is 80 degrees. ))

Bert

Hi Jos,

Ik hier? Did you find the opener yet?

Mzzl,,

Erwin

Hi Bert,
Ok let me know your pricing idea!
If shipping is getting too expensive; might have it send to our US office in Asheville, NC.
Thanks for the tip! Will consider this for sure; replacing the handle may be a good moment to replace the 40plus year old cable as well.

On the dinoplex case: e-bay Italy is offering some 103B units for 4 cylinders cars.
Not so expensive as the original 6 and the case is the same: maybe a good alternative to use for your job!

@Erwin: you're everywhere welcome and still looking for this part, yes!!!

Jos,

Yes, I accept your offer of $35 usd for the boot lift opener. And I will be happy to ship it up to Asheville NC. BUT there is a cheap airline (Allegiant Air) that flies direct from Asheville to Punta Gorda Florida for about $49. If you want to come down, see my 72 Dino Coupe and pick the opener up directly, you would be welcome. The weather here is quite a bit warmer that Asheville in February. Since we are about 10 minutes from the Punta Gorda airport, I'd pick you up so give this some thought! and Happy Holidays!!

Bert

Hello Bert,
Sounds really tempting, especially seeing your dino at location.
Thank you, May accept your offer
Will let you know as soon as my travelschedule is known.
Wishing you also a healthy 2016.
Regards,
Jos

Jos,

That's fine--as we say in America, we'll leave the light on for you! Seriously the invitation to visit still stands, just remember we'll be at the Amelia Island Concours around the 12-15th of March. Any other time is great!

Bert