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Spare Tire Lock

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Old Feb 13, 2005 | 08:59 PM
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St. Jude Donor '05
Default Spare Tire Lock

this may sound like a dumb question, but I will ask any way. What key is used on the spare tire lock? Is it the door key? I cannot get any of the keys to even go into the lock! I have soaked it with penetrating oil and still no luck? I guess a previous owner could have changed the locks but I don't know? Thanks for the help!
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Old Feb 13, 2005 | 09:12 PM
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For 71 the square head is for ignition and doors, round head for rear storage compartment, spare tire lock and if equipped the alarm.
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Old Feb 13, 2005 | 09:21 PM
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Mine was so stiff it wouldn't budge. Finally after a lot of penetrating oil, letting it sit between treatments and jiggling the round head key slowly left and right - being careful not to break the key off in the lock - it did unlock. Lots of patience and penetrating oil - be sure to give the oil time to work.
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Old Feb 13, 2005 | 10:14 PM
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lol......that was my first PITA with my new vette.

I just removed the bolts at the top of the brace and took it all off. The spare was dry rotted and I don't think it had ever been off the car in 24 yrs. The lock was totally frozen up. I still haven't gotten that dang lock off, but it doesn't look much like a lock anymore.
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Old Feb 13, 2005 | 10:32 PM
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My '78 use the round one for the spare,the dash,the door and the rear compartment.
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Old Feb 14, 2005 | 02:10 AM
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I've had my 78 S.A. for 6 1/2 years, and yesterday was the first time I attempted to unlock the spare tire. It uses the round/door key. I had to coerce it for a few minutes. Be gentle and have patience.
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Old Feb 14, 2005 | 06:37 AM
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My 80 has no lock on the spare. Anyone have pics of where the lock goes?
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Old Feb 14, 2005 | 06:46 AM
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Originally Posted by den(thevetteman)78
My '78 use the round one for the spare,the dash,the door and the rear compartment.
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Old Feb 14, 2005 | 10:37 AM
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It's supposed to be the same one as the glove box. The square key is ignition and the round should open the glove box (if you have one), the doors and the spare tire lock. The Corvette catalogs can change the tumbers to match for about $30-50. My advice is to go to a locksmith. He did mine for about $7 in about 5 minutes. Another kind of scam to watch is guys selling "original" 70s era GM keys for about $10 each. My locksmith sold me them for $2 each and claims they're still available with GM logoing and all.
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