No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

[Carr C.]

I have a 64 Corvette that has the spare tire lock on it, but I do not have the key. How do I get this thing off?

Thanks!!!

[Ridge K.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

You may some some better ideas, but many decades ago, while working in the auto business, I would hire a "mobile" locksmith to come and make a new key for the lock that's missing a key.
In those days, "old timer" locksmiths could make a key in about five minutes. Now a days, most cities have a "Pop-A-Lock" type mobile service. Of couse, one would need a firm price quote in advance. Good luck.

[Michael H.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

I have a 64 Corvette that has the spare tire lock on it, but I do not have the key. How do I get this thing off?

Thanks!!!

Can't remember for sure but I think the entire upper bolt and nut can be removed just by removing the two bolts that secure it to the rear frame rail?
Once the assembly is removed, it can be taken to a locksmith and a key can be made.

[David D.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

Carr,

I assume you already tried to open the spare tire lock with your ignition key, correct? If is the original lock, the ignition key should work on a 64. Of course, if the lock has been changed, see the above ideas!

Dave

[Jimmy G.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

If you can find an old set of "master keys" it can usually be opened.

[Mike E.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

Agree with Mike Hanson--very easy to get in there with a ratchet, extension, and 9/16 socket and take off the two bolts. You then have the whole assembly in hand to take to a locksmith. Been there. Done that. About 6 weeks ago.

[Stuart F.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

This discussion boggles my mind. I could swear the last time I unlocked mine I did it with my Ignition key. That was when someone was running a survey about the design of the lock or something so I went and took mine down to check it. Of course I got one of those "one key fits all" 63's.

Stu Fox

[Michael H.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

This discussion boggles my mind. I could swear the last time I unlocked mine I did it with my Ignition key. That was when someone was running a survey about the design of the lock or something so I went and took mine down to check it. Of course I got one of those "one key fits all" 63's.

Stu Fox

Yup, that'd be correct for your 63, Stu. I think that "one key" system continued through 65 before the "two key system" began.

[Sydney G.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

I have a spare tire lock I bought a number of years ago for my '63 that 2 separate locksmiths could not pick to open. I gave up after that day.
What is the secret?

Syd

[Chuck G.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

Can't remember for sure but I think the entire upper bolt and nut can be removed just by removing the two bolts that secure it to the rear frame rail?
Once the assembly is removed, it can be taken to a locksmith and a key can be made.

Yep, you can remove the 2 bolts and take the entire assembly out.

Pat Kraus, the Corvette lock guru is my neighbor. "The Kraus" can open and repair your lock in minutes. He can also key it correctly so it matches the ignition and doors.

PM me, and I'll pass on phone #'s etc.

Chuck

[Mike E.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

Pete Lindahl from this board accomplished that for me--apparently the locksmiths you used weren't familiar with these.

[Gary B.]

Picking locks; not always possible

Sydney, Mike,

Over the years I've been able to pick open about 98% of the spare tire locks that I've come across that didn't have keys. There is the occasional lock that has been exposed to too much rain, snow and salted roads and the tumblers and core can become so corroded that the lock becomes unpickable, even after soaking in PB blaster or some other rust remover for days. Even in these situations the outer case may be salvageable and the core or lock cylinder sacrificed using a milling machine or drill press.

Gary

[Jack H.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

Two key cars started in '65, so '64 was the last year of one key cars...

[Gary B.]

Re: No Key - How do I Get Off the Spare Tire Lock?

Sydney,

The other thing that can happen to these locks to make it hard to pick them is the spring-loaded lock release pin can become seized, so that if one has the tools and skills to pick the lock, one cannot get the lock cylinder out without drilling out the lock release pin.

Finally, the master keys (sometimes called tryout keys) that were mentioned above are a set of 64 keys that most novices think are able to open any such lock. I have a set of such keys and I've found that they work in a minority of cases. Picking the lock is by far the "easiest" thing to try.

Gary