66 spare tire lock cover

[Keith M.]

what does the correct spare tire lock cover for a 66 look like,what years are the same,as I am looking for a concours correct used one for my 66 survivor car...thx

[Gary B.]

Re: 66 spare tire lock cover

Keith,

The tire lock boot/cover is the same for all years, from around March of 1963 thru the end of model year 1979. Unfortunately, GM discontinued the tire lock boot about one year ago. Unfortunately again, the repro boots are so obviously incorrect that a blind person could easily tell the difference by feel. And of course because the GM boot is now an NOS item, the cost has gone up by a factor of 3 to 4 on eBay in the past year. If you send me your e-mail address I can send you an image that describes the various problems with the repro boots. (Although repro boots can be bought for about $10, don't waste your money.) My address is: garybeaupre@comcast.net

Gary

[Don H.]

Re: 66 spare tire lock cover

To add to Gary's reply, here is a real one. It is made of very soft and flexible rubber, lacking any seam.
Check your email for help in finding a good used one.

[Richard M.]

Re: 66 spare tire lock cover

Last year I acquired a 3841701 NOS boot for a '67 restoration.

Here are photos of the differences to the reproduction for reference. NOS on left in photos. The repro lock shown and repro boot on right has the seam. I got the lock from Pete Lindhal. Pete's awesome. He got me the lock at the last minute along with coded keys just before a Regional judging event. His stuff was perfect.

[Donald O.]

Re: 66 spare tire lock cover

Rich,
Great photos showing the differences!

Don

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 spare tire lock cover

Rich----


It looks to me like the reproduction actually fits better and is a more refined piece than the original.

[Richard M.]

Re: 66 spare tire lock cover

Rich,
Great photos showing the differences!

Don

I knew I had them somewhere, and you know me......1 or 2 is never enough for the future restorers.

Rich----


It looks to me like the reproduction actually fits better and is a more refined piece than the original.

Joe, You're absolutely right. That's why I also posted the photo of the CRC Power lube I had to use to make it slippery enough to get it over the lock. Reflecting back, WD-40 would have been better, but I hate that stuff. Only because when you spray it it hits every darn thing within 5 feet of where you shoot it!!!

Rich

[Gene M.]

Re: 66 spare tire lock cover

I knew I had them somewhere, and you know me......1 or 2 is never enough for the future restorers.



Joe, You're absolutely right. That's why I also posted the photo of the CRC Power lube I had to use to make it slippery enough to get it over the lock. Reflecting back, WD-40 would have been better, but I hate that stuff. Only because when you spray it it hits every darn thing within 5 feet of where you shoot it!!!

Rich

Rich,
WD40 is available in gallon. I put it in a small spray bottle for better control.

[Richard M.]

Re: 66 spare tire lock cover

Rich,
WD40 is available in gallon. I put it in a small spray bottle for better control.

Gene, Good idea but I'd have to add that to my Will & Testament as I'd never use a gallon in the 50 or so years I have left.

[Gary B.]

Re: 66 spare tire lock cover

I knew I had them somewhere, and you know me......1 or 2 is never enough for the future restorers.



Joe, You're absolutely right. That's why I also posted the photo of the CRC Power lube I had to use to make it slippery enough to get it over the lock. Reflecting back, WD-40 would have been better, but I hate that stuff. Only because when you spray it it hits every darn thing within 5 feet of where you shoot it!!!

Rich

Rich,

I really worry about using any kind of liquid lubricant and what it might do to the lock case over time. What I advise people to do is put a small pinch of baby powder inside the boot, rub it around with a finger and then shake out any excess so that all that remains is a hint of a coating on the inside surface. The baby powder technique has never failed me when pulling a boot over a lock. I also tell people to clip and file smooth their finger nails before pulling on the boot.

Gary

[Richard M.]

Re: 66 spare tire lock cover

Rich,

I really worry about using any kind of liquid lubricant and what it might do to the lock case over time. What I advise people to do is put a small pinch of baby powder inside the boot, rub it around with a finger and then shake out any excess so that all that remains is a hint of a coating on the inside surface. The baby powder technique has never failed me when pulling a boot over a lock. I also tell people to clip and file smooth their finger nails before pulling on the boot.

Gary

Thanks Gary. I like the powder idea. However, we ain't got no babies around here so I'll have to get some in stock.