C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

Oops ! Wheel locks key is lost !

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 06:48 PM
  #1  
Calderone's Avatar
Calderone
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 27
From: Valparaiso
Default Oops ! Wheel locks key is lost !

Damn,removing my 87 wheel nuts i found out that just one wheel have a different wheel lock nut !!!
OH NO ! The key is nothing like the others and i don't have it , i looked for it under the seats,on the rear compartments,everywhere and Nothing ! How can i remove that damn nut ?????????
Please i need some tips !
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 06:54 PM
  #2  
Da Mail Man's Avatar
Da Mail Man
Safety Car
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
Default

Originally Posted by Calderone
Damn,removing my 87 wheel nuts i found out that just one wheel have a different wheel lock nut !!!
OH NO ! The key is nothing like the others and i don't have it , i looked for it under the seats,on the rear compartments,everywhere and Nothing ! How can i remove that damn nut ?????????
Please i need some tips !
.....there are a few threads on this in the SEARCH section of the forumn.......anyway, take a chisel or a die grinder and "cut" a notch into the face of the lock........insert a "stout" screwdriver and turn..............also, you can sacrifice a socket and smash it onto the socket and attempt to remove it like that....(i am not sure what type of locks you have).....
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 06:55 PM
  #3  
The Green Hornet's Avatar
The Green Hornet
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Army
20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 83
From: Everyone needs something to believe in, I believe I'll have another beer. Wisconsin
Default

Find a socket that almost fits and pound it on the rest of the way.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 07:15 PM
  #4  
Kinkajou's Avatar
Kinkajou
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 2
Default

The Green Hornet Find a socket that almost fits and pound it on the rest of the way.

I have been told that this is the way that thieves can remove your wheels in no time.

So it must work very well.
They also use vise grips if the wheel design allows it, and if that will not work you can always weld a piece of metal and then remove it.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 07:33 PM
  #5  
rlatlarson's Avatar
rlatlarson
Racer
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 377
Likes: 5
From: Wyoming, Michigan
Default

Hate to suggest it, but I took mine to the local Chevy dealership. They either had a "generic" one-key-fits-all socket or they have a full set of keys on hand for such instances.
I ended up buying a new set with a key from one of the catalog companies. Now the key sits in the center console.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 07:50 PM
  #6  
Da Mail Man's Avatar
Da Mail Man
Safety Car
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
Default

Originally Posted by Kinkajou

I have been told that this is the way that thieves can remove your wheels in no time.

So it must work very well.
They also use vise grips if the wheel design allows it, and if that will not work you can always weld a piece of metal and then remove it.
.....like i said! ....my 88 has a lug cover that covers all the lugs and uses a recessed lock so, it would have to be either drilled out or that "cut a slot deal" i mentioned....
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 08:20 PM
  #7  
jimmyu2's Avatar
jimmyu2
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Somers New York
Default

I have to add my 2 cents
When I got my 89 Vert...I could not get the locks loosened. Someone had tightened them so tight, and had stripped the special wrench..(it was almost useless). After struggleing with them trying to get them loose, I was able to loosen the special bolts eventually. Now (I have "new" replacements) when I install them I turn them in to the point where they "bottom out" and then add just a little bit more. I've discovered that there is no need to "lean on them" Bottom 'em out then add a bit more torque. This will save your lock bolt, and your special wrench.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 08:53 PM
  #8  
I’m Z one's Avatar
I’m Z one
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,318
Likes: 243
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
Default

This is all you need ->http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=stripped+nuts
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 09:00 PM
  #9  
Road Agent's Avatar
Road Agent
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 2
Default

Originally Posted by rlatlarson
Hate to suggest it, but I took mine to the local Chevy dealership. They either had a "generic" one-key-fits-all socket or they have a full set of keys on hand for such instances.
I ended up buying a new set with a key from one of the catalog companies. Now the key sits in the center console.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 09:56 PM
  #10  
Mekanic's Avatar
Mekanic
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: In a van down by the river! Florida
Default

Using instructions I found here I used a 21mm socket ( I think it was 21 check first.) then pounded it on the nut with a 3 pound sledge.

The points in the socket cut into the threads used to hold the plastic cap on, and off it will come. Worked like a charm.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 10:04 PM
  #11  
frankburns's Avatar
frankburns
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Littleton Co
Default Wheel locks

Used a socket that was just a tad smaller, 19mm or 21mm can't remember, just had to tap it on with a roofing hammer, then just used a braker bar. Took 10 minutes to remove all 4. I also used a heavy impact socket that went undamaged. After each wheel I put the lug in the vice and used said hammer to knock the socket off.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 10:05 PM
  #12  
VettBrat's Avatar
VettBrat
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Coweta OK
Default

When I bought my 86 it did not have the key for the wheels. I took it to a tire shop and they removed all 4 in about 5 minutes. Didn't charge me anything.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2007 | 10:39 PM
  #13  
NASCAR314's Avatar
NASCAR314
Drifting
25 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 18
From: St. Peters MO
Default

Originally Posted by VettBrat
When I bought my 86 it did not have the key for the wheels. I took it to a tire shop and they removed all 4 in about 5 minutes. Didn't charge me anything.
Yes, good tire shops can do it as well as a dealer, FREE is hard to get!

I bought a car at auction, could not locate lug key, had a tire shop remove them and replaced with normal lug nuts, charged me $7.50 per wheel, which is well worth it.
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2007 | 08:11 AM
  #14  
GIJoe's Avatar
GIJoe
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

Sounds like you need an "Easy Out" socket

its a socket with teeth in it for just such occasions.
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2007 | 09:14 AM
  #15  
dclafleur's Avatar
dclafleur
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,551
Likes: 36
From: Jenks OK
Default

Originally Posted by VettBrat
When I bought my 86 it did not have the key for the wheels. I took it to a tire shop and they removed all 4 in about 5 minutes. Didn't charge me anything.


If you can find a friendly local shop it's the way to go, took them a minute to get mine off. They also don't mind me looking over their shoulder when they lift the car and watching them work when they remove and replace the wheels. They got my business by providing good service, and kept it by meeting my demands (and having a darned good price too)
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Oops ! Wheel locks key is lost !





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:07 AM.

story-0
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-4
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-5
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-7
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE