1970 Spare Lock ID.

[Ralph B.]

I have an early build 1970 car and trying to determine if the spare lock is original or not. Are there any features or numbers that would identify this?
Thank you,
Ralph

[Edward J.]

Re: 1970 Spare Lock ID.

Ralph, I believe that the lock is the same for quite a few years, about the only way to tell if its a correct one is if the key that operates the console lock behind the seat and the spare lock are the same key there is a good chance that it could be original.

[Gary B.]

1970 Spare Lock ID

Ralph,

The lock should be unpainted; have a bezel that is slightly larger than 11/16" with the lock release hole entirely within the bezel area; a "B 1" embossed on the bottom; and for 1970 the lock should accept only a key with a K keyway.

Gary

[Gary B.]

Photo of 1970 Spare Lock

Ralph,

Here's a photo showing the top side of a 1970 spare tire lock.

Gary

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Spare Lock ID.

Hi Gary,
Your info made me look.... my 71's lock has B1 on it too, and only accepts a key with a B keyway.
Thanks!
Regards,
Alan

[Peter L.]

Re: 1970 Spare Lock ID.

To add to Gary's information, 67 and newer spare tire locks were both year specific with key specific keyways (only the specific GM letter keys, i.e B, D, H, or K key can be inserted into the lock cylinder of the tire lock) that were identical to the glove compartment or compartment key. So, to see if it's the original and hopefully, correct spare tire lock check out the following"

1) the ignition or other letter key should NOT go totally in the lock cylinder. If it does, the lock cylinder has been reworked and it's probably a "universal" keyway lock cylinder and it won't most like pass judging. (Judges are supposed to check this)
2)the spare tire lock case should be embossed w/ B1 on the bottom face. The B2 case spare tire locks are later GM SERVICE replacements or at least came out sometime in the late 70s or early 80s. If it has no B1 or B2, it certainly is not what you would be looking for for judging.
3) the spare tire lock case should have a natural finish. They stopped painting spare tire locks in 1965 so if it's painted be sure to double check because if it's a B1 case someone might have painted it and you should be able to remove the paint.

Happy hunting. Pete