Lost wheel lock key for '96...
 

This is in regard to a '96 CE with LT4/ZF6...

My rear tire seems to have a slow leak, and I wanted to do the ole' bathtub test to see if I can patch it.,, but I can't find my wheel lock key. I'm not the original owner, and can't find it anywhere. What options do I have to get that wheel off? I'd rather get a replacement key, but is there anywhere I can get one?

Thanks...

Thanks...Have seen a few guides out there with this procedure since posting. Looks like I might be going this route myself,. but like to hear if anyone knows of any options. Is the key unique to every car? Any way I can get a replacement?

No, keys are not unique to each set of wheels. I don't know how many different keys were produced, but it was not an infinite number.

You might call a locksmith, or your road service provider for help.

Okay, thank you...I think someone posted info for the company that made them for GM...Maybe I'll give that a try, if I can find that post. Thanks again

Go to any dealer, they have a master set of keys for the lugs and can tell you which one you need. I think McGard was the manufacturer.

Good luck on that. Most of them threw them away years ago. When NTB lost my key, I called numerous dealers, all with the same answer.

However the OP could get lucky.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...g-lugnuts.html

The ones that were supplied with my 96 were made by Amcor

https://www.amcorlocks.com/

Is there a key card in with the paper work for the car ? I found the card, tucked away in the paperwork/book for the car. The lugs weren't registered to the car. Just what ever was picked and put in the car. The company sent me a new key in 3 days but they had to know that number. (my car is a 96 also).

Once you get them off, consider that hardly anyone would be stealing wheels/tires of our sizes anymore. There just aren't that many cars using the sizes common for C4's

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...ver/453073_0_0

Why would you want a replacement? Just get 20 lug nuts to make a nice set or find the 4 to replace the lock nuts. They came on my F-body and after a year of ownership where I got to tossing unnecessary things, that was the first. When I bought the C4, that was the first thing to fall off the car after I got it off the truck.

If your locks are Amcor you could likely do a visual comparison using their web-information.

https://www.amcorlocks.com/copy-of-complete-set

If you reach out to them with a snapshot they'll likely accommodate you. I'm quite sure a friend was supplied one at no charge not very long ago. Circumstances I'm not sure of.

I bought a '90 with no lug key. Tried all my sockets, nothing fit tight enough even hammered on. I finally used an air chisel which spun them right off without damaging the wheels. There are also special sockets made for this such as eBay, but I didn't get that far.

Key lock
 

Tech gouged the wheel using the air chisel so you have to be VERY careful

If you have road service coverage, call them. They remove lugs all the time

If no coverage, take the vette to a tire shop. Routine chore.

Of similar to my 88, call Me Hard (www.mcgard.com). Great customer service. I sent them a pic of my wheel lock, she matched it uo, and I had a key in less than a week .Cost was $15.

That is assuming they are OE locks? Not sure about aftermarket.

Oops .Just realized the key was for my center caps on the 88. They still might be worth a shot, especially is the locks are original.

There are removal sockets made just for doing this. They work like a reversed easy-out, with spiral internal grooves that grip the lugnut when you turn it. They also will not damage your wheels like an air chisel or some other "Blacksmith" removal method. I believe I got mine from Autozone, and they were not too expensive. If you want to replace the locks, I have a set for sale on here now with the key and the screw on covers, McGard brand.