Boot locking mismatch

Hello everyone,
Recently purchased a '91 Rivage with a load of aftermarket gear that I'm slowly unwinding to restore it to factory. The chap I bought it from also provided the original boot which I had resprayed and fitted. Turns out that while it is AN original boot, it is not THE original boot. Now it's back from the bodyshop it looks great but is locked but none of the keys I have for the vehicle fit it.

Would really appreciate any pointers on how to solve - locksmith, dealer, drill?

Can you get access the boot from inside the car? If so, if you remove the tailgate interior trim, you should be able to access the lock release lever through the aperture

Pull out the parcel shelf.
pull the Cardboard cover off the boot and it will reveal 3 push pins.to remove the latching mech.

Pull up on the lever.  the boot will unlock.

From there you can remove the lock cylinder, and using your ignition keys you can re-key the lock barrel.

see:
https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/mk1-locks-new-set-or-rekey-originals.8567073/?post_id=104431697#post-104431697

scroll down to post 13.

Thank you for the prompt responses. Managed to access via the parcel shelf. Not what I expected to find… lock not connected.



Managed to open by manually lifting the rod but clearly need a longer term solution. Sorry to ask another question but any guidance on the configuration/ parts needed?

It looks as if some one retro fitted a popper or vacuume (electric) mech on that.

I would suspect that you need to go to a wrecking yard and obtain the oem bottom latch and connecting rod to return it to normal.

Never seen a latch like that on any of the
Golfs/Cabriolets  I have owned.

I have also never seen a torx screw in the VW save for the triple square on the Drive axles and head bolts

Thanks for the guidance, looks like I've got some more work to do.