[mewise1]

I am getting worried that I will start scratching the paint of my trunk lid every time I close it. I can't seem to find a way to grab the open trunk lid so I am not touching the paint. Other Chrysler sedans (e.g., New Yorker) have had a vinyl strap in the lid so you could use that to pull the trunk closed with out putting finger prints all over the exterior surface. Plus, since I live in the desert, there is always dust on the back of my 300C. I've found that any contact that will rub this dust into the paint will cause tiny scratches that build up over time. A $3 strap installed in the trunk lid at the factory would have been nice!

Has anyone else been missing a trunk pull? Has anyone figured out a good place to mount a strap? I figured I could get a strap from another Chrysler product and somehow use some sheet metal screws to fasten it to the trunk lid.

Thanks,
Matt

Note: Check out the "HUH! Am I missing some parts in my 300C!" post in the General Discussion forum for some general comments about other cheap additions to the 300C that would have made a big difference.

 

[E55 KEV]

I hate the fact that there is nothing to close the truck nor a gas cap holder.

 

[mileshoover]

I hate the fact that there is nothing to close the trunk nor a gas cap holder.

I took the pull strap for trunk closing from my '99 LHS before trading it. Then screwed it directly into one of the plastic insulation retainers near the trunk lock so it is reachable from the lid when up. Works fine but I don't have the Mopar number. I remember that strap was on the entire high end LH line, so I'm sure it's still available. Next time I get to the dealer, I'll try to get you a Mopar number for it.

On the gas cap holder, please see the Gas Cap Holder thread in these forums.

 

[crispiegee]

Miles, I'll say it again: You're the best, man.

 

[Angi300C]

Trunk pull/closer

Miles, I'll say it again: You're the best, man.

I second that

 

[II kings 9:20]

I took the pull strap for trunk closing from my '99 LHS before trading it. Then screwed it directly into one of the plastic insulation retainers near the trunk lock so it is reachable from the lid when up. Works fine but I don't have the Mopar number. I remember that strap was on the entire high end LH line, so I'm sure it's still available. Next time I get to the dealer, I'll try to get you a Mopar number for it.

Miles, how did you attach the strap, remove the plastic retainer and attach or use a sheet metal screw into the plastic retainer.

 

[joey]

I don't have my car yet, so maybe this doesn't work, but can't you "grab" the 300c emblem on the truck with your fingers? This also keeps the finger smudges off the paint.
I have a similar problem with my Pontiac Bonneville SSEI. I used to pull the trunk down by placing my fingers in the grooves of the taillight assembly.
However, eventually the taillight bolts busted off in a heatwave.
Since then I have been grabbing the SSEI emblem in the middle of the trunk. So far that has not come off yet.

 

[mileshoover]

I took the pull strap for trunk closing from my '99 LHS before trading it. Then screwed it directly into one of the plastic insulation retainers near the trunk lock so it is reachable from the lid when up. Works fine but I don't have the Mopar number. I remember that strap was on the entire high end LH line, so I'm sure it's still available. Next time I get to the dealer, I'll try to get you a Mopar number for it.

Miles, how did you attach the strap, remove the plastic retainer and attach or use a sheet metal screw into the plastic retainer.

I removed the strap and its keeper and sheet metal screw. Moved the whole thing to the C. That trunk didn't have an easily accessed spot to mount the strap, so I just drilled a very small (1/32") hole in a plastic insulation holder and mounted the strap that way with its old sheet metal screw.

I have taken pictures and I should be able to post them next week or so.

 

[mileshoover]

I don't have my car yet, so maybe this doesn't work, but can't you "grab" the 300c emblem on the truck with your fingers? This also keeps the finger smudges off the paint.
I have a similar problem with my Pontiac Bonneville SSEI. I used to pull the trunk down by placing my fingers in the grooves of the taillight assembly.
However, eventually the taillight bolts busted off in a heatwave.
Since then I have been grabbing the SSEI emblem in the middle of the trunk. So far that has not come off yet.

Sure you can, but the emblem/wing isn't very deep and your fingers will slip or worse, break a finger nail. By using the strap (which was very effective in the LHS), all of those problems are solved.

You'll find that the trunk lid oleo struts are relatively strong and it takes a good bit of pull to get it down. Conversely, it isn't likely that the wind will blow the lid down on you head as has happened to me on the LHD.

As you have seen, grabbing at anything fragile which is not meant to be a hold, will cause something to break in the long run.

 

[II kings 9:20]

I removed the strap and its keeper and sheet metal screw. Moved the whole thing to the C. That trunk didn't have an easily accessed spot to mount the strap, so I just drilled a very small (1/32") hole in a plastic insulation holder and mounted the strap that way with its old sheet metal screw.

I have taken pictures and I should be able to post them next week or so.

Thanks, I ordered mine today from the dealer $9.00, will be in tomorrow and will mount similarly. Which is best to mount, center, mid right or mid left or does it matter. Where is the LHS strap located?

 

[mileshoover]

Thanks, I ordered mine today from the dealer $9.00, will be in tomorrow and will mount similarly. Which is best to mount, center, mid right or mid left or does it matter. Where is the LHS strap located?

The '99 LHS strap was mounted on the underside of the lid, just to the right of the lock and toward the front enough so that the strap didn't hang into the luggage.

I mounted mine similarly. I guess a lot would depend upon whether one was left or right-handed. I am the latter. As I indicated, choose an existing round black insulatiion holder (I think they call them "christmas trees", drill a small hole in it and screw a machine screw into it to attach the strap bracket. It is very sturdy.

Glad to hear they are still a stocked item. Did you get a Mopar number? It would help the others to post it.

And thanks, you are very helpful. Especially so, since you stated earlier that you're still awaiting delivery of your C. :^)))

You'll have a week's worth of busy work once you get ahold of it.

 

[II kings 9:20]

The '99 LHS strap was mounted on the underside of the lid, just to the right of the lock and toward the front enough so that the strap didn't hang into the luggage.

I mounted mine similarly. I guess a lot would depend upon whether one was left or right-handed. I am the latter. As I indicated, choose an existing round black insulatiion holder (I think they call them "christmas trees", drill a small hole in it and screw a machine screw into it to attach the strap bracket. It is very sturdy.

Glad to hear they are still a stocked item. Did you get a Mopar number? It would help the others to post it.

And thanks, you are very helpful. Especially so, since you stated earlier that you're still awaiting delivery of your C. :^)))

You'll have a week's worth of busy work once you get ahold of it.

Thank the Lord it arrived a little over two weeks ago, thanks for your interest. I phone ordered and will have a part# tomorrow when I pick it up. I have the grille and a fabulous set of italian air horns installed.

 

[mspeasl]

Gang,

Why send the money when you do not need to. Grab the latch like this: Thumb on the outside and first two fingers on the inside of the latch. Pull down and when the lid is at the correct height, place the other hand (first two fingers) on the plastic emblem and push down to close. Works great. My 5’1/2” wife figured this one out after I couldn’t...

Mspeasl
Satin Jade 300C
Central Illinois
06-01-04

 

[mileshoover]

Gang,Why send the money when you do not need to. Grab the latch like this: Thumb on the outside and first two fingers on the inside of the latch. Pull down and when the lid is at the correct height, place the other hand (first two fingers) on the plastic emblem and push down to close. Works great. My 5’1/2” wife figured this one out after I couldn’t...

Reason why I don't do that is because pretty soon, particularly after the first service, that lock part will become greasy and dirty. I really don't want that to happen to me. And pulling on that emblem has broken it off on earlier LH models.

If you all don't mind, have at it. :^))

 

[II kings 9:20]

I guess I'm used to minivan pulls, X5 ledge, etc the RX8 had a recess on the inner lip to pull down using a ONE handed technique. The money I save not buying 22 inch "rims" (I hate that term, the rim is the edge of the wheel)) frees up lots-o-cash for small items like this .

 

[Reddog67]

Miles,

As usual, you are a big help. A picture here would be very worthwhile....

Cheers - Tim

 

[crispiegee]

I'm going to take the drawer handles off my dresser and attach them to the outside of my trunk lid. It should look totally pimp. I'll be using 3/4" galvanized roofing nails for corrosion resistance.

(Please don't do this and blame me, though... lol)

 

[05Hemi]

Crispiegee...chrome the nails first!

 

[mileshoover]

Miles,As usual, you are a big help. A picture here would be very worthwhile....Cheers - Tim

Some are on the way, next week, hopefully,

 

[II kings 9:20]

Part # for pull strap for 99LHS #SA70DX9AA