Missing wheel lock key.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,801
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Missing wheel lock key.
A buddy of mine just bought a 1989 Corvette, but the previous owner lost the wheel lock key. He said he didn't see one in the Mid America or Corvette Central catalogs. As a C-3 guy I don't have much info on C-4s. Can any of you guys tell me where I should have him look? Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,933
Likes: 103
From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
Unless you have the key number you wont be able to order a replacement key. Your best option is to remove the old locking lugs and start over.
Go to sears and get an easyout socket. You tap the socket on top of the locking lug nut and it cuts a reverse groove into the lug which will allow you to loosen the wheel.
Another option is to weld a regular nut untop of the old locking nut and turn it off that way as well. Just wrap the area with a moist towel first then weld away
Good luck GC
Go to sears and get an easyout socket. You tap the socket on top of the locking lug nut and it cuts a reverse groove into the lug which will allow you to loosen the wheel.
Another option is to weld a regular nut untop of the old locking nut and turn it off that way as well. Just wrap the area with a moist towel first then weld away
Good luck GC
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
Unless you have the key number you wont be able to order a replacement key. Your best option is to remove the old locking lugs and start over.
Go to sears and get an easyout socket. You tap the socket on top of the locking lug nut and it cuts a reverse groove into the lug which will allow you to loosen the wheel.
Another option is to weld a regular nut untop of the old locking nut and turn it off that way as well. Just wrap the area with a moist towel first then weld away
Good luck GC
Go to sears and get an easyout socket. You tap the socket on top of the locking lug nut and it cuts a reverse groove into the lug which will allow you to loosen the wheel.
Another option is to weld a regular nut untop of the old locking nut and turn it off that way as well. Just wrap the area with a moist towel first then weld away
Good luck GC
Also I have been thru this, you can call shops some will take the lug off for you. (tire shop)
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Unless you have the key number you wont be able to order a replacement key. Your best option is to remove the old locking lugs and start over.
Go to sears and get an easyout socket. You tap the socket on top of the locking lug nut and it cuts a reverse groove into the lug which will allow you to loosen the wheel.
Another option is to weld a regular nut untop of the old locking nut and turn it off that way as well. Just wrap the area with a moist towel first then weld away
Good luck GC
Go to sears and get an easyout socket. You tap the socket on top of the locking lug nut and it cuts a reverse groove into the lug which will allow you to loosen the wheel.
Another option is to weld a regular nut untop of the old locking nut and turn it off that way as well. Just wrap the area with a moist towel first then weld away
Good luck GC
I think ALL of us have been through this before. I did the welding trick...just used a welding blanket draped and taped to protect everything, put a nut over the lug nut, and laid down a bead on it. Let it cool, put a standard socket over it, and off it came.JMHO but I'm not a big fan of locking lugs. It seems they give car owners more trouble than they give thieves. That's what insurance is for.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Hard to say if dealers have "master keys". There are assorted patterns to the ribs on the lugnut and key that there could be a dozen possibilities.
A tire shop will be able to remove the factory lock. If your buddy wants to retain a wheel lock, there are ones available that will work but he should consider ordering a spare key. I have done that in the past. One key stays in the car, the other is in the garage.
Also, the C4 and C5 lug nuts are the same so if a dealer says they can't get a C4 locking lugnut, get a C5 version.....
A tire shop will be able to remove the factory lock. If your buddy wants to retain a wheel lock, there are ones available that will work but he should consider ordering a spare key. I have done that in the past. One key stays in the car, the other is in the garage.
Also, the C4 and C5 lug nuts are the same so if a dealer says they can't get a C4 locking lugnut, get a C5 version.....
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
wheel wrench
I found one on e-bay. I then went to the Chevy dealer and they ordered one. Only $15.00. If it is the one that I am thinking. It is a nut hole on the center cap CORRECT.
If you cannot get one like I said I have two I will sell you one.
Bob
If you cannot get one like I said I have two I will sell you one.
Bob
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Found the wheel cover locks for my 1989 Corvette
Thank You for the advice. It was a Mcgaurd Key. I call the company after looking on their
website. Told me to email three photos of the lock. They call me back with a match and the key is on the way to me. $17.00 each or two for $26.00. Also they had the matching locks, they were $10.00 each. After looking on the web for hours this is a great deal and THANK YOU for your help.
website. Told me to email three photos of the lock. They call me back with a match and the key is on the way to me. $17.00 each or two for $26.00. Also they had the matching locks, they were $10.00 each. After looking on the web for hours this is a great deal and THANK YOU for your help.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 429
Likes: 112
From: Easton, PA
I stripped one of the bolts and then the wrench and I wasn't going to pay a bunch of money for new ones or even used on Ebay. Here is what I did.
I bought 4 stainless cap screws and drilled a hole in the middle to insert a pin. I had to turn the diameter of the head down a bit so it would fit in the cap. Went to Advance Auto and bought a small ratchet wrench and the security wrench. It's not the original but they look nice and the work.
I bought 4 stainless cap screws and drilled a hole in the middle to insert a pin. I had to turn the diameter of the head down a bit so it would fit in the cap. Went to Advance Auto and bought a small ratchet wrench and the security wrench. It's not the original but they look nice and the work.
