How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

[Mark E.]

I got a repro rubber cover for the spare tire lock on my 1970. I tried immersing it in boiling water, spraying it with silicone and stretching the heck out of it, but couldn't get the rubber to fit over the spare tire lock. Finally, its hole tore open from the abuse and was easy to install...

Any tricks for doing this the right way?

[Bill B.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

Mark,

I used the same methods as you described. I recall placing the key lock end into the boot first, then wiggled and jiggled and streached the remaining portion of the boot over the lock. I purchased the lock & boot from Paragon a few years ago.

[Gary B.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

Mark,





Gary

[Kevin G.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

Remove the excitement from the lock?

[Mark E.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

Mark,

I used the same methods as you described. I recall placing the key lock end into the boot first, then wiggled and jiggled and stretched the remaining portion of the boot over the lock. I purchased the lock & boot from Paragon a few years ago.

Thanks Bill. Perhaps you have the magic touch I lack. The hole in the boot was just not willing to stretch anywhere near enough to fit over the lock. Maybe a too small repro?

[Mark E.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

Mark,


The repro tire lock boots I’ve gotten my hands on are made from substantially thicker rubber compared to GM originals. Which make the repros must less stretchy, and much harder to install over the lock. With GM original boots, I put them in the sun for 15 minutes or in a 170 deg oven (as low as mine goes) for 5-10 minutes. I make sure my finger nails are cut short and smooth. Then it’s a quick tug of war to pull on the boot. I’ve installed at least 20 GM original lock boots that way with never a tear. But repro boots are a different beast.

I NEVER use any liquid lubricant (water, silicon spray, etc.) since it might damage the lock surface or paint if any remains between the rubber and the lock.


Gary

Thanks Gary. I'll see if I can find a GM boot.

My lock is bare metal. Should it be painted?

I learned applying silicon just made the boot more difficult to handle. But I would be surprised if it damaged paint on the lock.

[Gary B.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

Mark,

Tire locks for 1966 and newer are not painted.

Gary

[Edward J.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

Mark boil some water and place boot in hot water to soften and then try to slip over.

[Gary B.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

Thanks Bill. Perhaps you have the magic touch I lack. The hole in the boot was just not willing to stretch anywhere near enough to fit over the lock. Maybe a too small repro?

Mark,

The rubber with most repro tire lock boots is just way too thick and way too stiff.

Unfortunately, since GM discontinued the boots several years ago, the price for NOS examples is now almost 10x higher.

Gary

[Mark E.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

Mark,

The rubber with most repro tire lock boots is just way too thick and way too stiff.

Unfortunately, since GM discontinued the boots several years ago, the price for NOS examples is now almost 10x higher.

Gary

Gary,

I did a web search for the boot and your website's article on locks and boots came up-

http://www.garybeaupre.com/Site/Spare_Tire_Locks_Page1.html

This photo from your article looks like my boot (before it tore):

Spare Tire Lock Boot OEM vs Repro.jpg

[Gary B.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

Mark,

I created that annotated image to serve as a simple to understand warning to others.

Gary

[John F.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

All it takes is a LOT of patience!

[Mark E.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

All it takes is a LOT of patience!

...something my wife reminds me often I need more of.

Folks have said the repro boots are a thicker material. This may be why they're so hard to stretch while installing.

[James G.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

I used talc to keep the cover and the lock from sticking to one another. ORIGINAL COVER. iirc Gary Bosselman gave me the tip.

[Gary B.]

Re: How to install the rubber cover over C3 spare tire lock?

James,

I used to recommend baby powder. But all talc-based baby powders are being taken off the market due to the asbestos contamination issue. Other substitutes, some commonly found in the kitchen, like corn starch or flour, will work just fine. I try to remove all excess powder inside the boot, leaving only the slightest hint of a coating. Otherwise I worry about it absorbing moisture over time, damaging the surface of the lock case.

Gary