Unlock spare tire
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 103
Likes: 13
From: Near D.C.
Unlock spare tire
Anyone else unable to unlock the spare tire carrier? I have the correct key for my '77 spare lock, it slides all the way in. But I cant get the key to turn, as if the tumblers are stuck. I tried to get some lubricant in there but it didnt help. Anyone else have the same issue or a recommended solution?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Took days to get mine loose PB blaster everyday, even WD-40. Then used air hose to force liquid up the hole. Finally got key to turn.
Guess that's why GM had the little rubber bootie over the lock to keep road water out.
Guess that's why GM had the little rubber bootie over the lock to keep road water out.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Who keeps a lock on that tub? It's never out of my sight. And what yo-yo is going to limbo under the rear to pull it down, anyway?? 
Keep the lock/key in one of the storage compartments. Then install it before a show, if you want.
Keep the lock/key in one of the storage compartments. Then install it before a show, if you want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
I believe the lock itself is the only thing that holds the carrier up. At least on my '77 it does.
If PB Blaster doesn't do it, I bet somebody gave you the wrong key. There are a few different key code numbers from vendors.
But it maybe time to get the hacksaw sharpened up. Good luck.
If PB Blaster doesn't do it, I bet somebody gave you the wrong key. There are a few different key code numbers from vendors.
But it maybe time to get the hacksaw sharpened up. Good luck.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Mar 31, 2020 at 01:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 103
Likes: 13
From: Near D.C.
I think HeadsUP is right, pretty sure the only thing keeping the tub up on my '77 is the lock. Anyhow, I thought it should be the same key as the doors? But you might be right, might be cutting that thing off in the future.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 570
Likes: 65
From: Sebastian,FL
Don’t cut it, just unbolt the bracket and take the whole bolt/bracket/lock assy off and work on it standing upright instead of laying on the ground
Does your key work in the storage compartment lock? It should be the same as your doors and spare lock. I just went thru this with my 77. My doors and rear compartment are matched but my spare lock isn’t. If I remember correctly my spare lock is a “k” or “D” code key and it should be a “H”
Does your key work in the storage compartment lock? It should be the same as your doors and spare lock. I just went thru this with my 77. My doors and rear compartment are matched but my spare lock isn’t. If I remember correctly my spare lock is a “k” or “D” code key and it should be a “H”
Last edited by danh77; Mar 31, 2020 at 05:12 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,326
Likes: 721
From: Marietta GA
You can take off the bolt and lock, then find a Real Locksmith. They can unlock the lock, then cut a new key if yours is not correct. My alarm switch would not turn with any of my keys, I am guessing it was replaced. I removed the key switch, they cleaned it and made me new keys while I waited.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 838
From: New York
2017 C3 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '20- '21
I believe I read on the forum that some members had some luck “picking”
the lock. I don’t remember how they managed that. Do a search and see if your can find a thread about it. Good luck Ike
the lock. I don’t remember how they managed that. Do a search and see if your can find a thread about it. Good luck Ike
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
https://images.app.goo.gl/X4CK9BhAeU3AE8wi7
The lock covers the hex bolt holding the tub.
I would drop the bolt assembly and soak the lock to get the key to operate, or take it to a lock guy.
The lock covers the hex bolt holding the tub.
I would drop the bolt assembly and soak the lock to get the key to operate, or take it to a lock guy.
Last edited by mikep3; Apr 2, 2020 at 01:49 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
I picked my lock with a curved dental tool. It took me about 10 minutes of screwing around with the tool to finally pop the lock. Now I know what I'm actually doing I can pop the lock as fast with the pick as I can with a key.
Simply stick the pick in the access hole, around the bolt, and push in the plunger on the opposite side. Easy peasy...
Simply stick the pick in the access hole, around the bolt, and push in the plunger on the opposite side. Easy peasy...