The Triumph 2000 / 2500 / 2·5 Register Forum

Dear Alec,

I was in the garage looking at the Mk 1 boot lock again today. There is no way I see to get a tool in the quarter inch slot on the extreme inside of the boot. I will shine a light in this thin slit and take a photo tomorrow to explain. The manual leaves much to be understood.

Thank You,
Stephen

Again, it has been a while since I removed a Mk1 boot lock assembly - a Mk2 more recently, but I would say the procedure is similar.
From memory, I find that it is beneficial to remove the bolts securing the latch part to the inner boot panel so that it can be moved around in its aperture. It won't fall as the rod from the lock will hold it up. Your can't remove the latch until the lock /rod are removed. At this point you should be able to move the latch around to allow access to the retaining clip on the rear of the lock. I find it is easier to get to it with stout flat bladed screwdriver, placing it against one of the raised sections of the retaining ring, and using the inner boot panel as a fulcrum, turn the retaining ring until the lock is released. Then turn the lock body until the lugs aline with the outer body panel, holding the latch and then withdraw the lock. The latch will drop if you don't hold it when the rod from the lock is clear of the latch.
Reassembly is the reverse of removal as they say.
Releasing the latch from the rear panel to manoeuvre it in the aperture is a must to allow access to turn the retaining ring (definitely with the Mk2!)
Hope that helps!

Unbolt the latch assembly. three bolts first. This then slides off the twist shaft of the knob. Then the retaining clip is visible and can be slid out before as mentioned above, the lock assembly twists to allow the bayonet section come through the two slots in the aperture.

Further investigation today with a bright light into the crevices of the Mk 1 boot showed there is indeed a clip of sorts inside the body work. I may be able to work the clip 90 degrees with a long screw driver. I probably will need a magnet to catch any loose parts.

I would like to know how Triumph was able to get the lock assembly together in such tight space. Must have been child labor with small hands to attach the clip to the lock rod.

More to come,

Stephen

Just to answer the above, there are only two components - the latch which is one piece, and the lock assembly which again is one piece. The retaining ring is part of the lock assembly, so you won't loose any parts once you have rotated it, and withdrawn it from the body. The lock, rod and retaining ring are just one component - all part of the lock assembly.
Once you start, you will wonder why you ever thought it was an impossible task!