Temporary Fix-- Broken Trunk Latch

OK, on a recently purchased 2005 Prius I (245k miles) I found many things that required fixing, to include a broken trunk latch. The previous owner had delayed a permanent fix and opted to rigger tape it multiple layers but that was only temporary as time and harsh elements wore it down. In less than a week, the latch was bouncing in the wind and I was forced to fix it sooner than later. I believe there are many levels of BROKEN, this was already broken but I could potentially worsen the broken; thus can be fixed for short term but later will require a more permanent fix with a good functioning part.

OPTIONS--- Time to take it a few steps better than temporary—for now.
A- Amazon reveals a used piece for $150
B- $5-jerry-rig with drill & new nut/bolts.
C- junk yard find

I entered through the trunk trim, removing the plastic molding to expose panel access. 5 plastic tabs kept that original piece attached; but opted to affix only 2 new bolts. Bad Toyota design to connect metal and hard plastic. A second look revealed that the previous owner had already glued the bits 2-4 times over. I integrate some soft bushings, by recycling some rubber from a clear hose. I looked into using round-headed bolts but couldn't find any at the 3" length; now I'm reduced to exposed Philips head tips. Problem now is that mischievous-pedestrians now have access to mess with the bolts. Mavi mentions that coloring/subduing them could make them look much less visible/attractive to pedestrians. The bushing allows for expansion/contraction with the weather and not forcing you to constantly make bolt adjustments with screw driver.

Its been functioning & weather proof now for 2 months. Just yesterday I turned a screwdriver 1/8 turn on the left bolt; otherwise they hold well for a temporary fix. Warning, do avoid "heave-ho-ing" on the latch though. To reduce stress on the lever, I started opening it with both hands; one initiating the mechanism & other hand lifting the trunk from the lower lip.

 

ohhhh... i like that, i like that a lot.
permanent fix looks really sturdy.
the key is that one can still maneuver into the trunk with only one hand
reminds me of my kitchen cabinet handle when i reach for some plates ; )

thanks for sharing Jas
you are giving me motivation to re-tackle the latch with something more permanent

 

UPDATE.
Revisiting an old project due to some freed up time.
from a local junkyard, i got hold of a $25 replacement rear hatch latch part

I removed the old latch part to replace with the new used part

transferred rubber button from the old latch to the new latch; new latch had a defective melted rubber unit

reseated the rubber seals to the latch; now all back to full sturdy functionality but with a dissimilar silver color