Fitted some 7 seats conversion and when sitting there noticed a black cover that looks like it could house a boot release button - is that what goes here and is it pre wired?

It is the manual release for the boot so you can open it from inside should the button or electricity fail.

Ease it out and it manually releases the upper tailgate.

The lower one can be opened manually by putting one's finger down the sides of the lower 'gate and pressing the latch release on each side. You open the upper lid first then the lower one. Give it a try, you never know when you may need it  Cheers
Richard

(there are no such things as an ordinary FullFat, an ordinary cat or too many tools)
2011 TDV8 Vogue Santorini Black
Gap IIDBT

So the black bit with a cord attached - is there any problem using that all the time (10-15 times a year realistically)? Saves me retrofitting a button then! Current stable:
2006 BMW M6
2007 4.2 V8 S/C FF
Gone:
2002 4.4 V8 FF

Errrr

I don't know but WHY would you want to climb over the back seats, remove the load area cover and then releae the upper TG or are we missing something  Cheers
Richard

(there are no such things as an ordinary FullFat, an ordinary cat or too many tools)
2011 TDV8 Vogue Santorini Black
Gap IIDBT

the OP mentioned 7 seat conversion, so I'm assuming its so the rear passengers can escape.  There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

I think that's a very good point NMJ, wasn't considering opening it as a passenger in the back.

I would say though Dan, if the rear passengers are most lilkely to be kids, could they have the presence of mind to find a small, black cover in the event of needing it for an escape. I would suggest finding a bit about how other cars designed or sold as having the abiliy to be 7 seaters design their exit handles or perhaps you should consider providing a suitable "proper" release.

And speak to your insurers, as they may welll consider the FF a five seater unless you discuss it.

I know, I'm a miserable, contrary ??  Cheers
Richard

(there are no such things as an ordinary FullFat, an ordinary cat or too many tools)
2011 TDV8 Vogue Santorini Black
Gap IIDBT

I wouldn't tell the 6th and 7th passengers about that release pull (likely to be young and risk free) - not good to have them opening it on the motorway

You have sufficient controls from the driver's seat for the tailgate. .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999