C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

88/89 Wheel Lock problem

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Old May 16, 2008 | 10:45 AM
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Default 88/89 Wheel Lock problem

Recently picked up an 88 Corvette at auction. Unfortunately the Wheel Lock key was missing and I can't get the center caps off to get to the lug nuts..I can't be the only one who has ever had this problem.Need advice....
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Old May 16, 2008 | 10:56 AM
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Dremel a groove in them, then use a straight screwdriver.
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Old May 16, 2008 | 11:08 AM
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The tool for mine was broke when I bought the car, I sent it back to McGard if I am remembering the name right. They sent a new one for free.

There are a ton of threads on this, use a search. For example:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ghlight=mcgard
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Old May 16, 2008 | 12:05 PM
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McGuard
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Old May 16, 2008 | 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by 65Z01
Fixed!
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Old May 16, 2008 | 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by shotchkiss
Dremel a groove in them, then use a straight screwdriver.

......
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Old May 16, 2008 | 10:12 PM
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Thanks for all the advice...Called Mcgards. I sent them a digital photo of the lock pattern. They will match it up to one of their keys and notify me for purchase...
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Old May 17, 2008 | 07:54 PM
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Back in the day I remember hearing of talk that one can sacrifice an old socket and hammer the thing over the smooth locking lug. Never tried it myself. Don't know if I'd care to beat a hammer against the rim.
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Old May 17, 2008 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by ALS 08
Back in the day I remember hearing of talk that one can sacrifice an old socket and hammer the thing over the smooth locking lug. Never tried it myself. Don't know if I'd care to beat a hammer against the rim.
...that might be fine for removing a "standard" wheel lock but the "88" has a locking cover that hides/secures the lug nuts from being removed or tampered with.....that has to be removed first to even get at the lug nuts....so, the "socket-sacrifice" will not work.......
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Old May 17, 2008 | 08:26 PM
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...has to be removed first to even get at the lug nuts....so, the "socket-sacrifice" will not work.......
Yep that method works with the lug nuts on the '88 IROC-Z but not on the '88 Vette.
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Old May 17, 2008 | 08:30 PM
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I've used a small flat screw driver, it takes a bit of work if they are tight. No dremel used....just a little patience.
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Old May 17, 2008 | 11:17 PM
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Default Wheel Lock Problem

I used a pin punch and spun out the locks. Matched the lock threads, head, and length, at the auto supply store with an allen headed bolt. Put the correct allen head wrench in the glove box and that worked fine. A bit of anti seize on the threads, that was it. I never did have much luck with wheel locks.
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