'65 Late Build - Rear Tire Compartment Lock Assembly

[Ray K.]

Looking to purchase a NOS rear tire compartment lock assembly for my '65 and need help in determining which one . . . . .

Apparently there were two used in 65. Earlier cars used the painted black lock assembly with the smaller 1/4" drain hole (GM #3794103) and according the the 6th edition tech/info manual, later built cars "have been observed" to use the '66 the non-painted lock assembly with the with the larger 3/8" drain hole (GM #3867322). When I went to look at the '65 AIM (UPC 1, page K9) it indicates that the work order to change to the non-painted larger diameter drain hole was written on January 25, 1965 (approx 6 or 7 months before the end of production).


Since my '65 is a late build (VIN: 22673 - July 1965), I need help in determining if I should purchase the painted black lock assembly with the smaller drain 1/4" drain hole (GM #3794103) or purchase the non-painted lock assembly with the larger 3/8" drain hole (GM #3867322). Before I go and spend "big bucks" on my lock assembly, can any of you that currently have a "later built '65 (for May, June or July 1965), take a look at your lock assemblies and let me know which you have? And, please include your VIN . . . .

Also, does anyone know how either lock may or may not be impacted when my '65 is judged?

Appreciate any/all help and/or insight . . . .
Thanks.

Ray K
NCRS Member #43777

[Don H.]

Re: '65 LAte Build - Rear Tire Compartment Lock Assembly

With your end of model year vin, either lock should judge as typical. To guarantee it to judge as typical, choose the "65" lock with pencil eraser drain hole. If I were in your shoes, I would buy a used original from David Sokolowski in So. CAL (Driveline advertiser). I like dealing with him. FYI, my Jun 65 vin 19736 has the 65 lock.

[Chester K.]

Re: '65 Late Build - Rear Tire Compartment Lock Assembly

Hello Ray,....you need to contact Peter Lindahl to obtain the correct info and nos spare tire lock for your late 65,....at email pclindahl@comcast.net. I went to Pete for the correct lock for my early 66, very happy,...Pete is great to work with and knows what you need.

[Ray K.]

Re: '65 Late Build - Rear Tire Compartment Lock Assembly

Ray

My 1965 June 1 production ( 118xxx ) has the later style 1966 unpainted lock assembly with the larger drain hole. This was an issue the first time the car was flight judged in 2011. Fortunately, Pete Lindahl, was attending the Texas regional and the judges went to him for clarification. However, the same issue came about again in 2015. Definitely you need the later style lock assembly.

Ray K

[Page C.]

Re: '65 Late Build - Rear Tire Compartment Lock Assembly

Hi Ray I bought my 1965 in 1968 and it still had the original spare tire in the storage compartment with the original spare tire lock. It is 22714 and has the 3/8 drain hole.

[James W.]

Re: '65 Late Build - Rear Tire Compartment Lock Assembly

My June (K24) built AOS body, VIN 22095 '65 has the smaller 1/4 inch dia. drain hole in the spare tire lock. It was on the car when purchased in 1974, glove box lock key opens both glove box and spare tire lock. The color is black which I guess per the latest TIMJG can be change to the natural finish.


Regards,

James

[Gary B.]

Re: '65 Late Build - Rear Tire Compartment Lock Assembly

James,

Based on my research, I would expect a June '65 car to have the 1/4" weep hole, black painted lock, and yours is a beauty.

Gary

[Ray K.]

Re: '65 Late Build - Rear Tire Compartment Lock Assembly

Appreciate everyone's judging thoughts and lock / VIN info . . . .
Thanks to all who responded.
Ray

[Peter L.]

Re: '65 Late Build - Rear Tire Compartment Lock Assembly

Ray - The last paragraph on page 87 of the 1965 6th Edition in the Exterior section of the 1965 6th edition of the Corvette TIM&JG reads "Late production car have been observed with the '66 style lock with the 3/8" drain hole." Unfortunately, as best I can tell is that the photo E19-2 in the 1965 TIM&JG is a photo of the 1966 Corvette spare tire lock as the spare tire lock in the photo looks remarkably like photo E-26 of the 1966 Corvette spare tire lock in the 1966 Corvette TIM&JG.

So based on this information, if you have what you know/believe is the original spare tire lock for your 1965 Corvette I'd stick with it.

Who says working on old cars isn't FUN?

Regards, Pete

[Ray K.]

Re: '65 Late Build - Rear Tire Compartment Lock Assembly

Pete,
Very good point on your comment: The last paragraph on page 87 of the 1965 6th Edition in the Exterior section of the 1965 6th edition of the Corvette TIM&JG reads "Late production car have been observed with the '66 style lock with the 3/8" drain hole."
Wonder how & why the 6th edition '65 tech info & judging guide doesn't show the painted 1/4" drain hole lock assembly. If this one was used on most '65 production Corvettes, one would think that the photo would have been also shown.
Anyways, hopefully it'll be corrected in the 7th edition along with a better understanding of the actual breakpoint on the locks. . . .

Thanks for your expertise.
Ray