POPIN TRUNKS LINEAR ACTUATORS

I would design the system and use a latch assembly out of a later model Caddy or Lincoln that when you closed the trunk the latch assembly grabbed the lid and motorized it down tight against the seals. Some of the early 90’s Camaro’s and Firebirds had a similar type latch setup too I believe. I used to hate those because they would pinch your fingers if you were not careful.
I would also design the system to where the trunk lid is counter balanced. What I mean by this is you want the actuator or lift mechanism to work the least amount it has to. If the lid is not counter balanced the actuator or lift has to move all of the trunk lids weight. If there is a counter balance incorporated into the design it might only take 5 pounds of force to move the lid open and shut. Without the counter balance you would have to use something that has maybe 100 pounds of force. If you have ever had a trunk lid that the counter balance springs or gas shocks have failed then you know how heavy the trunk lid can be to open when trying to open it at the farthest point away from the hinges. Try and lift that same lid being closer to the hinges and it takes even more muscle.
Use mechanical advantage to your benefit. An actuator with 5 pounds of force can through levers and things give out 50 pounds of force but at a cost.
However you design it make it to where if the system does fail or come out of adjustment you can get the trunk open to repair things with the least amount of damage or none at all.

Jim