I am looking for some suggestions on opening my C-3's Spare Tire Tub's Original Lock. It has been years and the key will not seat properly. I am open to any and all suggestions.
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Re: Unlocking C-3's Spare Tire Tub's Original Lock
Remove the lock bolt assy from the frame and walk it into a locksmith's shop for him to work on... -
Unlocking Spare Tire Lock
Steve,
With a little soaking in a rust penetrant (like PB Blaster) and some patience, you should be able to get your key to insert fully and hopefully to operate the lock. If you live in a part of the country where the roads are salted in winter adn the car has been drive a lot in that environment and the lock is really siezed badly, it may be a lost cause. In a badly corroded lock I've experienced some of the tumblers get stuck too far in the down position ("upstream" tumblers being pushed too far down as the key inserts) and I've soaked for weeks with no success. In any case, before I took it to a locksmith, I'd trying soaking it, but be patient.
GaryComment
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Re: Unlocking C-3's Spare Tire Tub's Original Lock
Steve------
Have you tried treating it with penetrating oil? That might be all that's necessary. I'd remove it from the car first as Jack suggests. Then, with the lock "upside-down" you could spray penetrating fluid into the lock. Use something like Kroil or GM Heat Valve Lubricant. You could also immerse the entire lock assembly (having removed the rubber boot, which is probably non-usable by now) into a container of Berryman's B-12 Chemtool.
If these methods don't work, then you'll have to take it to a locksmith. However, I think that they will work.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Unlocking C-3's Spare Tire Tub's Original Lock
Steve, I assume that you are using the round door key and not the ignition key right?Comment
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Re: Unlocking C-3's Spare Tire Tub's Original Lock
Gary,
Round , square, hexagon, oval, octagon, nothing works, ....... but thanks for pointing out the correct one anyway. HA! HA!Comment
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What year C-3?
Steve,
What year C3 do you have and is the lock original to your car? For example if the lock is not original to your car, it could that you have a K letter key lock and you've been trying C and D letter keys, which will never insert.
GaryComment
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Re: What year C-3?
It is for a 1976. It is the original lock. It has not been off in about 20+ years. How would I go about actually removing the lock itself if I can not unlock it? I have tried wd-40, penetrating oil, etc., with no luck.
Please help - Thanks!Comment
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Removing lock and long bolt as a unit
Steve,
I;m not positive, but I think you should be able to get at the two bolts that attach the bracket to which the long bolt attaches. The long bolt is the one that the lock covers the head of. I've seen plently of lock/bolt combos that were removed as a unit because the key was lost.
GaryComment
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Re: Removing lock and long bolt as a unit
gary,
Thanks!
I will give it a try.
SteveComment
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Re: Removing lock and long bolt as a unit
Steve
Try pushing up on the spare tire tub with your shoulder and if the nut was not too tight you can slide the bolt out of the slot in the tub bracket. The bolts will be much eaiser to get out if the tub is down.
LyleLyle
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Re: Removing lock and long bolt as a unit
Thanks to all - The story is as follows:
It finally warmed up here today, and after work I went out with a 9/16" socket with a long extension, easily removed two bolts holding the bracket, eased down the tub, and I had it in my hot hands. I then hit it with brake cleaner, put in the key, turned it, and the bolt popped out of the lock. A no brainer that took about 3 minutes!
Thanks,
SteveComment
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