C3 spare tire lock- Not feeling smart right now

[Tom L.]

Good evening all, Several months ago I was able to find a nice, correctly colored (DARK gery/blackish) tire tub for my '72. Finally got it all cleaned up after making a few minor repairs I put it in the car today. When I went down with my key to unlock it I found that the lock wasn't there??? I don't remember taking it off or "putting it in a safe place", but either way, it's gone.

What are the chances of the lock disloging itself and tumbling down the road when locked? And, if I had a "not so smart" day and put it on without it locking how easy would it be to just disloge itself? Thanks for the input!

I'm really hoping that the chances of it falling off are low and it's just sitting in a "safe place".

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 spare tire lock- Not feeling smart right now

Good evening all, Several months ago I was able to find a nice, correctly colored (DARK gery/blackish) tire tub for my '72. Finally got it all cleaned up after making a few minor repairs I put it in the car today. When I went down with my key to unlock it I found that the lock wasn't there??? I don't remember taking it off or "putting it in a safe place", but either way, it's gone.

What are the chances of the lock disloging itself and tumbling down the road when locked? And, if I had a "not so smart" day and put it on without it locking how easy would it be to just disloge itself? Thanks for the input!

I'm really hoping that the chances of it falling off are low and it's just sitting in a "safe place".

Tom------

The lock in no way contributes to the retention of the spare tire tub; it does not "lock" the bolt. All it does is prevent someone from getting a wrench on the bolt, lowering the tub, and stealing the spare tire.

As long as you properly tighten the bolt, the tub and spare tire are as secure as they will ever be (except, perhaps, from a thief).

[Ralph S.]

Re: C3 spare tire lock- Not feeling smart right now

If the lock was not snapped on to the bolt head it would fall off.

[Gary B.]

Re: C3 spare tire lock- Not feeling smart right now

Tom,





Gary

[Bill B.]

Re: C3 spare tire lock- Not feeling smart right now

Exactly what happened to mine. When I got to the Carolinas Regionals, it was missing. And as a retired engineer, I feel stupid and embarrassed. 😂 Lesson learned the hard way!

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 spare tire lock- Not feeling smart right now

Exactly what happened to mine. When I got to the Carolinas Regionals, it was missing. And as a retired engineer, I feel stupid and embarrassed.  Lesson learned the hard way!

Bill------

Regular, liberal application of WD-40 to the lock mechanism will help prevent some of the problems.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 spare tire lock- Not feeling smart right now

Bill------

Regular, liberal application of WD-40 to the lock mechanism will help prevent some of the problems.

And a little care in installing the lock, or better yet keeping it in the interior of the car in a plastic bag, will prevent more of those problems.

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 spare tire lock- Not feeling smart right now

Well, still not feeling a lot smarter but I guess I'm not alone. As some hvae mentioned, I was never concerned about my spare being stollen. Guess that was a thing in the early 70's. Laughing hard on the inside now.... Anyway, I'm still holding onto the dream that I just put it in a "safe place". Thanks again!

[Gary B.]

[James G.]

Re: C3 spare tire lock- Not feeling smart right now

After what I paid for an original cover I wasn't leaving it under my car for sure...