A question about my new Hearse

It is an older style handle but pushing the plunger button down, then closing the door with the handle button pushed in still releases the plunger once the door is closed.

 

Don't give up easy. They just might have an older employee or two, or maybe some old documentation (wiring diagrams?) still around.

 

Looking it up further, it seems like even the most recent ownership group is no longer in operation...

 

Is it possible that the key needs to be used (locking it via cylinder) to work? I realized that my keys only work on the side doors, the hatch requires a different key that I didn't get. So maybe switching out the cylinder will do the trick?

 

If it's a standard GM door lock cylinder, a locksmith can re-tumble that cylinder to match your doors, or you can buy a lock cylinder set for an '87 or so Suburban with 'barn doors', as the key matches the two front doors and the rear door. Either way has a cost to it, so it's up to you what you want to do to make the rear door match the front doors.