Spare Tire Lock and Key
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I assume it is not the lock that came with the car, correct? You can make a key to most any lock. A locksmith can do it. First they will need to pick the lock to get it in the open position so it will come apart. Once apart, there should be a key code number on the lock cylinder. From that code, he can make a key.
Gary
Gary
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I assume it is not the lock that came with the car, correct? You can make a key to most any lock. A locksmith can do it. First they will need to pick the lock to get it in the open position so it will come apart. Once apart, there should be a key code number on the lock cylinder. From that code, he can make a key.
Gary
Gary
Larry
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
Larry, you should fill out the rest of your profile so we can tell what year of car you have.
However, as a general rule, the early C3s used the same key for the doors and ignition, the square head, and the same key for the spare tire lock, storage compartment and alarm (if so equipped), round head.
Hope this helps you make your decision.
cc
BTW, find a locksmith who has been in business for at least 30 years and he will most likely be able to re-key the lock to match your storage compartment key (if the keyway matches) and will have the correct key blanks too.
Look around the shop for old keys on the wall and old locks.
However, as a general rule, the early C3s used the same key for the doors and ignition, the square head, and the same key for the spare tire lock, storage compartment and alarm (if so equipped), round head.
Hope this helps you make your decision.
cc
BTW, find a locksmith who has been in business for at least 30 years and he will most likely be able to re-key the lock to match your storage compartment key (if the keyway matches) and will have the correct key blanks too.
Look around the shop for old keys on the wall and old locks.
Last edited by CCrane65; Apr 6, 2009 at 09:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Larry, you should fill out the rest of your profile so we can tell what year of car you have.
However, as a general rule, the early C3s used the same key for the doors and ignition, the square head, and the same key for the spare tire lock, storage compartment and alarm (if so equipped), round head.
Hope this helps you make your decision.
cc
BTW, find a locksmith who has been in business for at least 30 years and he will most likely be able to re-key the lock to match your storage compartment key (if the keyway matches) and will have the correct key blanks too.
Look around the shop for old keys on the wall and old locks.
However, as a general rule, the early C3s used the same key for the doors and ignition, the square head, and the same key for the spare tire lock, storage compartment and alarm (if so equipped), round head.
Hope this helps you make your decision.
cc
BTW, find a locksmith who has been in business for at least 30 years and he will most likely be able to re-key the lock to match your storage compartment key (if the keyway matches) and will have the correct key blanks too.
Look around the shop for old keys on the wall and old locks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1
From: North Bellmore Ny
St. Jude Donor '09
This guy can make anything, he can even cut keys from the number on your key fob
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Columbus OH
http://www.jessersclassickeys.com/
This guy can make anything, he can even cut keys from the number on your key fob
This guy can make anything, he can even cut keys from the number on your key fob
LW
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
Thanks Crane. I didn't realize my profile was incomplete so I fixed that. Actually mine is a '68 so it had the octagonal ignition and door key. That problem is solved. I don't have a key for the lock compartment but that is an easy key gut to get at so I can use this to help determine the key blank. I guess you don't know if the "B1" on the spare tire lock case is actually the key code. Let me know if you think it is. I'm sure it is a simple key. I don't really need the lock but I need the bolt and I have a chance to get both. It doesn't make sense if I can't make the lock work. Thanks.
I would guess that the code for the lock will be on the cylinder not the lock casing.
Casings are interchangeable whereas cylinders are specific to certain key ways.
cc
Last edited by CCrane65; Apr 7, 2009 at 12:18 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
First, go find a REAL locksmith as any real locksmith can pick these locks. I assume your tire lock looks like the one in the first photo (from my 78'). In order to get the cylinder out to make a key, a small pin accessible thru the hole in the face of the cylinder needs to be depressed (I used a small drill) then rotate the cylinder Counter clockwise (which is why you have to pick the lock) and the cylinder will come right out. With the cylinder out, the locksmith can easily make a key. Note that my 78’ did NOT have any key codes on the cylinder, but yours might have one (should be a 4 digit as I recall). At some point GM stopped stamping the cylinder with the key code. Also, the B1 is not the key code as you can see in the last photo, they all have this ID. Hope this helps.
Gary
Gary
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
First, go find a REAL locksmith as any real locksmith can pick these locks. I assume your tire lock looks like the one in the first photo (from my 78'). In order to get the cylinder out to make a key, a small pin accessible thru the hole in the face of the cylinder needs to be depressed (I used a small drill) then rotate the cylinder Counter clockwise (which is why you have to pick the lock) and the cylinder will come right out. With the cylinder out, the locksmith can easily make a key. Note that my 78’ did NOT have any key codes on the cylinder, but yours might have one (should be a 4 digit as I recall). At some point GM stopped stamping the cylinder with the key code. Also, the B1 is not the key code as you can see in the last photo, they all have this ID. Hope this helps.
Gary
Gary
Larry
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Columbus OH
Hi Gary. I'm back and I have the lock. It is a '75. Do I need to have the correct key blank to insert to turn the lock after the detent is depressed? Right now I am soaking it I WD40 and I have tried to remove the lock following your instructions but it won't come out. I don't have the correct key blank so I am basically just trying to turn the lock cylinder by turning the slotted opening. Thanks for your help. My plan is to remove the cylinder, the cylinder in my inside lock compartment and take them somewhere and have them matched and keys made. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Hi Gary. I'm back and I have the lock. It is a '75. Do I need to have the correct key blank to insert to turn the lock after the detent is depressed? Right now I am soaking it I WD40 and I have tried to remove the lock following your instructions but it won't come out. I don't have the correct key blank so I am basically just trying to turn the lock cylinder by turning the slotted opening. Thanks for your help. My plan is to remove the cylinder, the cylinder in my inside lock compartment and take them somewhere and have them matched and keys made. Thanks.
You need the correct key or a locksmith to "pick it" open. If you are going to a locksmith to have the keys made anyway, he/she can pick it open for you. Just trying to twist will not do it. MANY years ago I worked my way through college as a locksmith. Back then, I picked open hundreds of 60’s and 70’s era locks to make keys when lost by their owners. Not sure I could pick one open today.
Gary
If you can't find someone to get it open for you, you can send it to me and I'll give it a go.
Last edited by Duke94; Apr 15, 2009 at 08:44 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Columbus OH
Larry,
You need the correct key or a locksmith to "pick it" open. If you are going to a locksmith to have the keys made anyway, he/she can pick it open for you. Just trying to twist will not do it. MANY years ago I worked my way through college as a locksmith. Back then, I picked open hundreds of 60’s and 70’s era locks to make keys when lost by their owners. Not sure I could pick one open today.
Gary
If you can't find someone to get it open for you, you can send it to me and I'll give it a go.
You need the correct key or a locksmith to "pick it" open. If you are going to a locksmith to have the keys made anyway, he/she can pick it open for you. Just trying to twist will not do it. MANY years ago I worked my way through college as a locksmith. Back then, I picked open hundreds of 60’s and 70’s era locks to make keys when lost by their owners. Not sure I could pick one open today.
Gary
If you can't find someone to get it open for you, you can send it to me and I'll give it a go.
Larry
