Stubborn spare tire lock removal

[Patrick H.]

Several months ago I removed the spare tire lock on the orange 72 and cleaned it + lubed it. It worked like a charm, so I installed the original spare (first time back in for well over 20 years) and closed it up.

Went to do some work on it Saturday, and the spare tire lock will not come off the bolt at all. Square head key slides in all the way, but will not turn. Given the history of the car + the wear on the key I suspect it's the original key.

Anyone have any easy ways to 1) remove the lock and 2) see what's wrong with the lock or have it fixed? I removed the lock + bolt + bracket assembly from the car and it's on my workbench now.

Thanks.

[Terry M.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

The round key opens the spare tire lock. OH, and if your lock and keys are original to the car the square key will not go far enough into the spare tire lock to do anything. Nor will the round key go into the doors or ignition. If either key will go into the other slot contact frequent poster Peter Lindahl through the Members List at the top of the page. He can fix you right up.

Square key is for the doors and ignition.
Round key is for the glove box, alarm, and spare tire.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

The round key opens the spare tire lock.

Square key is for the doors and ignition.
Round key is for the glove box, alarm, and spare tire.

Round key don't fit.
Tried it several times. Won't go in really at all.
Square key goes right in.

No, I didn't try the yellow car to check out any of this.
Different keys anyway.

Patrick

[Terry M.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

Something is wrong, but then you knew that.

C and D keyways for 1972 -- right?? You do have the right keys for that car??

Trust me the round key is supposed to open the spare tire lock. Remember I used to do PVs.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

Something is wrong, but then you knew that.

C and D keyways for 1972 -- right?? You do have the right keys for that car??

Trust me the round key is supposed to open the spare tire lock. Remember I used to do PVs.

Ignition/door key is correct as a C. As noted, it's probably the correct 38yo key.
Round head key is a hardware store replacement. It says B1 on it, but no guarantee that means anything. And, I could swear I had it working previously.

I'm sending a note to the car owner to see if he has a second set of keys for me to try. If not, any idea how to remove it?

Patrick

[Terry M.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

The glove box lock is easily removable -- unless it is locked -- it just takes a Phillips screwdriver. If original to the car it will have numbers stamped on the side that are the key code. Take it to your nearest GM dealer and have them make you a key. Pray that the dealer has the old code books, and someone with the ability to use them. That key should open the glove box lock and the spare tire lock. You can take both with you to be sure. Of course if the spare tire lock was ever swapped you may need to send it to New Mexico. Pete tells me he has a way to get the spare tire locks off without a key, but it is classified info -- and you know how he treats classified info.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

The glove box lock is easily removable -- unless it is locked -- it just takes a Phillips screwdriver. If original to the car it will have numbers stamped on the side that are the key code. Take it to your nearest GM dealer and have them make you a key. Pray that the dealer has the old code books, and someone with the ability to use them. That key should open the glove box lock and the spare tire lock. You can take both with you to be sure. Of course if the spare tire lock was ever swapped you may need to send it to New Mexico. Pete tells me he has a way to get the spare tire locks off without a key, but it is classified info -- and you know how he treats classified info.

Ah, the glovebox lock.
Will check that, and I may just send a note to Pete to make me a new key anyway. Of course, then I would be "assuming" the spare tire lock to also be original to the car.

Nearest GM dealer - good laugh!

[Terry M.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

Ah, the glovebox lock.
Will check that, and I may just send a note to Pete to make me a new key anyway. Of course, then I would be "assuming" the spare tire lock to also be original to the car.

Nearest GM dealer - good laugh!

Well, OK. Send me the code and I can get it cut here in the big city, but Pete will do a better job for you -- and yes that assUmes both the glove box and spare tire lock are original to the car. Pete may have original blanks -- none of those around here. Pete can stamp the key too.

Last time I tried the place where I get my parts was still doing some keys the old fashioned way -- but that has been a while, and they do have a new finagled computer operated key machine. My main man passed away there almost a year ago, but the key stuff was passed on to one of the young kids. They couldn't even make me a spare key for the 2008 though, so I could put it in my wallet right next to the keys for the Caprices. My first shot at the local Ace was a waste of time and money. I am going to try the local locksmith next for that one, so I know it is not a slam dunk.

[Gary B.]

Stubborn spare tire lock removal

Patrick,

Something sounds fishy with your lock. If the lock is has the correct restricted keyway for a '72 car, the C key should not insert fully into the lock. Only a D key should insert.

If a C key does insert, then one possibility is the lock is a replacement type and has an unrestricted keyway that will accept any of the letter keys or the '66 and earlier Grv 15 keyway. But a universal keyway lock should also accept a D key. Do you have any other letter keys or a '66 or earlier key to try in it?

Generally, any of the spare tire locks can be opened using lock pick tools. Although if a lock if badly corroded, picking may be possible. I've soaked some badly corroded locks in WD40 for a day or two and then been able to pick them, but even that doesn't always work.

I suggest unbolting the lock mount bracket and taking everything to your local, old-timer, locksmith before you do anything drastic. A good locksmith, typically over the age of 50, should be able to diagnose the problem.

Gary

[Peter L.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

Pat - Do I read you Posting right and you have the lock bolt with lock attached off the car? If determining the compartment KEY NUMBER and having a key doesn't work, sent it down and I'll remove the lock from the bolt and make you a key. Pete

[Patrick H.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

Patrick,

Something sounds fishy with your lock. If the lock is has the correct restricted keyway for a '72 car, the C key should not insert fully into the lock. Only a D key should insert.

If a C key does insert, then one possibility is the lock is a replacement type and has an unrestricted keyway that will accept any of the letter keys or the '66 and earlier Grv 15 keyway. But a universal keyway lock should also accept a D key. Do you have any other letter keys or a '66 or earlier key to try in it?

Generally, any of the spare tire locks can be opened using lock pick tools. Although if a lock if badly corroded, picking may be possible. I've soaked some badly corroded locks in WD40 for a day or two and then been able to pick them, but even that doesn't always work.

I suggest unbolting the lock mount bracket and taking everything to your local, old-timer, locksmith before you do anything drastic. A good locksmith, typically over the age of 50, should be able to diagnose the problem.

Gary

Gary,

It's been cleaned up and actually looks very nice. Well lubed, and I hit it again with PB Blaster 2 days ago (not that it needed it, but trying anything).

Yes, the square C slides in with no problem. And, the assembly is already off the car.
I can try a key (C and D) from the yellow 72 tomorrow, and even other keys from our other old cars, to see what may fit and what may not.

Now to find an "old timer" locksmith....

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

Pat - Do I read you Posting right and you have the lock bolt with lock attached off the car? If determining the compartment KEY NUMBER and having a key doesn't work, sent it down and I'll remove the lock from the bolt and make you a key. Pete

Yes, it's off.

[Terry M.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

Now the "old timer" locksmith has been heard from.

Edit add: As I said on another post: "It is remarkable what people will have a passion for."

[Gary B.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

Now to find an "old timer" locksmith....

Patrick

Yup. Not only is it hard to find one, it's almost impossible to find one who is open for walk-in business on a Saturday.

Gary

[Patrick H.]

Re: Stubborn spare tire lock removal

Yup. Not only is it hard to find one, it's almost impossible to find one who is open for walk-in business on a Saturday.

Gary

Thankfully I have tomorrow off... though someone may be in labor now...