Home page
SPONSOR AD SPONSOR AD

Topic: Missing key for wheel locks

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


Missing key for wheel locks

Posted: 8/24/24 4:29pm Message 1 of 13
Profile Pic
Standard Member
Send PM
Charlevoix, MI - USA
Joined: 8/24/2024
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1979 Dark Green Metallic L82 with Doeskin leather interior

I recently  purchased a 1979 C3 that has wheel locks on it. They have a slot for an actual key, of which we don't have.

Any suggestions on how to remove the locks?






|UPDATED|8/24/2024 4:29:14 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|



SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)

Re: Missing key for wheel locks

Posted: 8/24/24 4:35pm Message 2 of 13
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2466
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

Hello, In my experience with a lock with no key, or someone is withholding it, we have drilled them out. Not saying that it'll work, but we succeeded. You won't be needing it later, so to ruin it is no big deal. 




Re: Missing key for wheel locks

Posted: 8/24/24 4:42pm Message 3 of 13
Profile Pic
Standard Member
Send PM
Charlevoix, MI - USA
Joined: 8/24/2024
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1979 Dark Green Metallic L82 with Doeskin leather interior

Did the lock look like the picture I posted? If so, what is behind the locking cap? Did you drill into the keyhole?

Thank you!




Re: Missing key for wheel locks

Posted: 8/24/24 4:50pm Message 4 of 13
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2466
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

Not sure how that one works, but probably the nut turn on the outside, and when key is used it allows the nut to loosen to remove. Drill into the key hole, and remove the guts. You should be able to then see how to turn the stud to remove it from the wheel. They are aluminum wheels, so be extra careful about getting to wrathy on man handling it so as not to damage the stud opening. 




Re: Missing key for wheel locks

Posted: 8/24/24 5:02pm Message 5 of 13
Profile Pic
Standard Member
Send PM
Charlevoix, MI - USA
Joined: 8/24/2024
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1979 Dark Green Metallic L82 with Doeskin leather interior

Ok, thank you!




Re: Missing key for wheel locks

Posted: 8/24/24 5:08pm Message 6 of 13
Limited Member
Send PM
Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

Assuming that the lug cover spins freely without the key, you might try cutting it off using a Dremel tool if drilling it out doesn't work. 




1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Missing key for wheel locks

Posted: 8/24/24 5:13pm Message 7 of 13
Profile Pic
Standard Member
Send PM
Charlevoix, MI - USA
Joined: 8/24/2024
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1979 Dark Green Metallic L82 with Doeskin leather interior

Thank you! We are gathering ideas before we dive in. 

Will post results when we get it figured out.




Re: Missing key for wheel locks

Posted: 8/25/24 11:49am Message 8 of 13
Profile Pic
Standard Member
Send PM
Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1525
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.

Locksmith? They can make a key.




   

Re: Missing key for wheel locks

Posted: 8/25/24 11:56am Message 9 of 13
Profile Pic
Standard Member
Send PM
Charlevoix, MI - USA
Joined: 8/24/2024
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1979 Dark Green Metallic L82 with Doeskin leather interior

That is our next move, thank you!




Re: Missing key for wheel locks

Posted: 8/30/24 1:07pm Message 10 of 13
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2466
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

Any updates on this dilemma? 




in Forum: C3 Handling Components


SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)