Remote controlled trunk release (pneumatic)

drsnemann

Daily Driver
My X has pneumatic door lock actuators from a 1990 VW Passat controlled by a Black Widow. I like pneumatic actuators – they have gentle action and I understand how they work. I installed a separate vacuum pump and pneumatic actuator for the rear trunk latch, controlled by the Black Widow trunk signal. The trunk lights stay on for three minutes after the trunk latch is released. The rear of the trunk got covered with fabric. Nothing is glued to the car should the next owner (after I am dead) want to bring the car back to original.

The latch’s lever was extended to three times original length to reduce needed force.

Trunk release:
- 12V vacuum pump (AIRPO model D202B): https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10398
- Aluminum Angle 1/16” thick from Home Depot
- Clippard Cylinder (SDR-20-1-1/2): https://www.clippard.com/part/SDR-20-1/2
- Clippard Push to Connect Fitting (PQ-ME05P-PKG): https://clippard.com/part/PQ-ME05P-PKG
- Clippard Polyethylene tubing, 5/32" X 3/32", natural, 50 feet (PET1-0503-NAS-050): https://www.clippard.com/part/PET1-0503-BKS-050

Fabric is glued to vinyl rubber and to a thin polycarbonate 90 degree angle that fits under the trunk weather stripping :
- Oil-Resistant Vinyl Rubber, Adhesive Back, 1/16" Thickness, 12" X 24", 80A Durometer (8513K53): https://www.mcmaster.com/8513K53
- Impact-Resistant Polycarbonate 90 Degree Angle, 1/2" X 1/2", 4' Length, Clear ((1755K61): https://www.mcmaster.com/1755K61
- Standard Rubber Edge Trim, 3/16" Opening, 3/8" Inside Depth (8507K54): https://www.mcmaster.com/8507K54/
- Polycarbonate piece to block holes and mount lights in
- Fabric was bought at a local upholstery shop to color match with existing fabric

Lights:
- Adjustable Time Delay Relay (HELLA 996152131 12V): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003C508XO
- Foot well courtesy light for Lamborghini Gallardo (and a bunch of Audi’s): https://www.ebay.com/itm/174831531967?f
- Some other relay
- Misc wires, connectors, scrap pieces of ABS, etc.



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My X has pneumatic door lock actuators from a 1990 VW Passat controlled by a Black Widow. I like pneumatic actuators – they have gentle action and I understand how they work. I installed a separate vacuum pump and pneumatic actuator for the rear trunk latch, controlled by the Black Widow trunk signal. The trunk lights stay on for three minutes after the trunk latch is released. The rear of the trunk got covered with fabric. Nothing is glued to the car should the next owner (after I am dead) want to bring the car back to original.

The latch’s lever was extended to three times original length to reduce needed force.

Trunk release:
- 12V vacuum pump (AIRPO model D202B): https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10398
- Aluminum Angle 1/16” thick from Home Depot
- Clippard Cylinder (SDR-20-1-1/2): https://www.clippard.com/part/SDR-20-1/2
- Clippard Push to Connect Fitting (PQ-ME05P-PKG): https://clippard.com/part/PQ-ME05P-PKG
- Clippard Polyethylene tubing, 5/32" X 3/32", natural, 50 feet (PET1-0503-NAS-050): https://www.clippard.com/part/PET1-0503-BKS-050

Fabric is glued to vinyl rubber and to a thin polycarbonate 90 degree angle that fits under the trunk weather stripping :
- Oil-Resistant Vinyl Rubber, Adhesive Back, 1/16" Thickness, 12" X 24", 80A Durometer (8513K53): https://www.mcmaster.com/8513K53
- Impact-Resistant Polycarbonate 90 Degree Angle, 1/2" X 1/2", 4' Length, Clear ((1755K61): https://www.mcmaster.com/1755K61
- Standard Rubber Edge Trim, 3/16" Opening, 3/8" Inside Depth (8507K54): https://www.mcmaster.com/8507K54/
- Polycarbonate piece to block holes and mount lights in
- Fabric was bought at a local upholstery shop to color match with existing fabric

Lights:
- Adjustable Time Delay Relay (HELLA 996152131 12V): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003C508XO
- Foot well courtesy light for Lamborghini Gallardo (and a bunch of Audi’s): https://www.ebay.com/itm/174831531967?f
- Some other relay
- Misc wires, connectors, scrap pieces of ABS, etc.



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Excellent work.

A VW/German level of complication :) I am glad you didn’t go the French route of hydraulic actuators :)

Added to BOX
 
I'm a bit confused. Why was this needed? Takes 2 seconds to open the trunk via the handle in the door jamb. What is a Black Widow? Some kind of keyfob remote or something?
 
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