Jedi926

I tried the key on my spare tire lock today and no luck. I sprayed some lube in it and will give it a few days and keep trying.

Any suggestions if I am unable to unlock the lock? Short of drilling the cylinder.

Thanks,

Jedi

CQRT

You're using the round key?


Sorry if I'm asking the obvious....

lvmyvt76

If it won't turn, you may have to cut the bolt and take the lock to a good locksmith and have him do his job. They buy a replacement bolt to fix your tire carrier. Do you have the rubber boot that goes over the lock to keep some water and debris out?

Jedi926

Rubber boot is there. I think this is a case of minimal use over 34 years.

Yes.

...Roger...

2 bolts and you can remove the assembly and work on it on the bench. While on the bench you can easily remove the lock from the long bolt with a little finesse. I'll see if I can find the thread I posted some pics in of the removal.

...Roger...

Here ya go
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...ck-remove.html

KenSny

I removed mine in 98 by removing the 2 bolts and let the whole thing soak in a jar filled with penetrating oil for a month or so then used the key and it worked. I still use it on my carrier, with a boot now, and no problems.

7T1vette

I don't have the spare tire lock on my car and I would never use it if I had it....just for the reason described here by the OP. I don't leave the car unattended, so I don't need the lock.

If I ever get my car judged by NCRS , I think I can take a 1 or 2 point 'hit' for not having the lock.
_______________

[OK, Mike Ward...I mentioned NCRS. Now, it's your turn to bash me because I included that acronym in my post. ]

KenSny

I think the OP wanted advice on how to remove the lock, not another NCRS bash.

7T1vette

You're right, of course. I'm so ashamed....

My point was that there is little reason to use the lock...unless you want the car to be absolutely "correct" for judging. (Hence, the NCRS reference.)

Jedi926

Don't be ashamed. I found the comment funny. I would expect nothing less from Mike Ward or EasyMike (BTW, my AIM arrived in the mail today but I'm still going to ask a ton of "dumb" questions.)

NCRS? Not even close. Currently bottom of my motor is corporate blue and the top of my motor is chevy orange. Crate motor (chevy orange) in the next couple of years. Could care less about this lock, I just want to be to unlock it.

Roger, I can get a dental pick at WM. The 2 bolts you are referring to, are those the 2 bolts that hold the entire bracket? Thanks for the help.

Jedi

...Roger...

Yes the 2 bolts hold the bracket to the frame,9/16 socket for the 2 bolts.
Make sure you support the spare tire holder,it will come down when you remove the 2 bolts.

Jedi926

Good morning Roger. It took awhile but I was able to get that lock off with the pics you provided, whew. Thanks for your help!!!!

I went to take the whole spare tire tub out but I found that it's attached in the rear by 2 long bolts that go into the frame. How do I get those bolts off? I see a nut at the top of the bolt that sits right next to the frame. There is a large whole in the frame and when I reach in with my finger I can feel another nut. Is this nut the "welded nut" indicated in the AIM?

Should I just be able to drop the bolts by wrenching the exterior nuts and then just screw them back in when I'm done?

I would like to pull the tub, clean it up, paint reinstall.

Lastly, I saw some surface rust spots on the gas tank. Can I just use some sand paper to lightly sand off the rust while the tank is still in place?

Again, thanks for all of your help and advice. I am literally learning as I go and appreciate all the good advice I have gotten on the forum.

BTW, the long bolt that holds the front of the tub in place won't even budge. Needs some serious lube.

Thanks,

Jedi

KenSny

Use an upen end wrench on the nut (it's part of the bolt) to remove the 2 bolts on the forward end (the back end being where the lock was) of the tub.