Question With Wheel Lock
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 105
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From: Fairfield/Vacaville Ca
Question With Wheel Lock
Well I got my car from an auction, Im looking to get new rears but I dont have a lock for them, Before I bust them off is it possible that one of my buddys GM locks from there z06 might work, Worth a shot thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,183
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
So you have a lock, but no "key". Don't know what year you have, but some of the stock "key" to fit the wheel lock nuts were hidden under the carpet in the rear area near the center in a little indentation in the floor. Take a look there first. If not, try a local big wheel installation place. They probably have or can get what you need.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 176
Likes: 6
From: Golden Colorado
I've had the experience of losing the key a few times in my life. The first time I took the car to the tire shop and they solved the problem the old fashioned way. They took a socket that was just close to a fit, pounded it onto the locking nut with a big hammer, then proceeded to use a 1/2" drive bar and remove it, no sweat. The next time I did it myself, just be careful not to hit the wheel. Simple, easy, and the lug nut was easy to get out of the socket: clamp it in a vise and whack it with a hammer. Sometimes, low tech works great. You'll need new locks, just make sure you know where the key is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 4
From: Rockford Illinois
It is possible to find another Z owner with a wheel lock if your lock is a factory lock. My camaro had wheel locks from factory and any Camaro SS had the same wheel locks. Then I changed mine.lol
Plus try and go to the delear. They might be nice enough to get those locks off for you for no charge, if they are factory.
Plus try and go to the delear. They might be nice enough to get those locks off for you for no charge, if they are factory.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
You should leave your windows down, doors unlocked and key in the ignition for the same reason. And don't lock you house, either. 
Wheel locks are just another deterrent to the opportunistic thief. It's part of the layers of protection to prevent the property you worked hard to get kept from being stolen. Most thieves will move on to another potential victim if they think their activities will draw attention to themselves.
Once you get the old lock(s) off, you can get better wheel locks/lug nuts from GORILLA if you prefer. They come in show chrome or black, in sets of four or twenty if you want. They have a unique spline design as opposed to the type of lock with the shallow pattern on top. DISCOUNT TIRE or SUMMIT RACING have them.
Wheel locks are just another deterrent to the opportunistic thief. It's part of the layers of protection to prevent the property you worked hard to get kept from being stolen. Most thieves will move on to another potential victim if they think their activities will draw attention to themselves.
Once you get the old lock(s) off, you can get better wheel locks/lug nuts from GORILLA if you prefer. They come in show chrome or black, in sets of four or twenty if you want. They have a unique spline design as opposed to the type of lock with the shallow pattern on top. DISCOUNT TIRE or SUMMIT RACING have them.
Last edited by hotwheels57; May 20, 2010 at 06:51 PM.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Fairfield/Vacaville Ca
Thanks for all the input guys yes im just going to bust them off no biggie but I am going to try my buddies lock first, But as far as buying more thanks for the offer it stays in the garage but if they want the wheels they might as well take the whole car haha
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Kannapolis NC
Whether your wheels are stolen by professionals or the kids down the street, they're still gone. The locks work for some protection. Look how long they have kept the OP from taking them off. To say they are useless is ridiculous. To say they are foolproof is just as ridiculous. A locked car in a locked garage can be stolen by professionals, but the odds are much better in your favor. For the price, wheel locks are pretty reasonable protection.
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A dealer might have a set of keys that would work on your existing locks. If not, a tire store should be able to get the locks off without damaging the wheels. Or you could try hammering on a socket and then taking them off yourself - just don't miss.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,713
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From: Rocky Mountains
Here you go, universal socket.
$10 at sears - wheel thief's best friend.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...4&blockType=G4
$10 at sears - wheel thief's best friend.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...4&blockType=G4
