'35 Spare Tire Lock

Steve in Denver

Steve in Denver

Well-known member
Are there two different keyways that were used for the '35 spare tire lock?

A friend does not have a key for his spare lock and the spare is still on the car. The ignition key does not even fit the lock. What other keys might have been used and does anyone have a key blank number?

We have tried several times to pick it, have squirted it with WD 40 to loosen everything up, used both a regular pick and lever and an electric pick and lever, not luck.

Hate to drill it. He is willing to buy a bunch of blanks and file them to different depths in an attempt to get something to open it.

If we ever get it unlocked, then we will be able to see the key code and get a correct key made.
 
There were two versions of the lock cylinder/spare tire locking hubcap assembly. in '35. The Hurd version which uses the same groove blank as the ignition/door locks, and the Briggs & Stratton version which uses a Briggs and Stratton blank of the period.
 
I think I have working examples of each in inventory. Also, dis-assembly does not require drilling out the lock cylinder. However, if the lock assembly is still attached to the spare tire and on the vehicle, then more drastic measures are in order.
 
For reference,here is what the back side of the locking spare cap looks like.
 

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Thanks, yes, the spare is still mounted on the car. We are trying to pick it so we don't have to drill it. What is the number for the key blank?
 
Specifically, the correct key blank for the locking hub cap has a diamond-shaped head, but the grooves in the shank are the same as the other Hurd key blanks for the ignition, doors, glove box, and deck lid even though those have different head shapes.
 
DavidG said:
Specifically, the correct key blank for the locking hub cap has a diamond-shaped head, but the grooves in the shank are the same as the other Hurd key blanks for the ignition, doors, glove box, and deck lid even though those have different head shapes.
Click to expand...
Like this?
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Someone mentioned to me that the '35 was the only one that had the Briggs and Stratton key for the spare tire. For those of you that do have a '35, which keys do you have for the spare?

And what is the key blank number?
 
All of the 35 locking hub caps I have seen have Hurd lock cylinders. They all take the key blank as above in post #9. The three pins that lock the cap to the wheel rim as on post #7 above are spring loaded. There is a possibility if you remove the spare bracket off the back of the car you may he able to push the spring loaded pins off the rim???
 
Like Terry, I have yet to see a Briggs & Stratton locking hub cap lock cylinder. The Hurd lock cylinder is the same one as used on '33 V8 and '34 locking hub caps.


Pete, Thanks for showing the correct lock cylinder and key blank.
 
Steve, I sent you a couple pictures of my key for my 35 spare cap. The car has been in our family since 1947, my Dad got it after WW2. Paul
 
I'm going to mention that I do not believe that the locking pins on the back of the cap are spring loaded. I believe that when the key turns the lock, that the pins rotate and that rotation causes the pins to retract from the outer edge. I don't think that you can rotate the back without having the twisting of the key in the lock.
Look at the picture in post #14
 
32 to 35 locking hubcaps rarely have key codes. Probably only 5% of the locks I have seen have a code. The other 95% do not have a code ANYWHERE. Not even on the cylinder body.
Early 32 cylinders are slightly different from the common 32-35 cylinders

nelsb01
The 3 locking pins are indeed spring loaded. They may be tough to compress because they are corroded or lack lubrication.

Drilling the lock cylinder out is not uncommon mainly because folks are unfamiliar with how they work in conjunction with the tire mount.
The lock cylinders themselves are not rare. Finding one with a key is a different story. Soooo drilling/killing the cylinder is usually a simple solution.
A good used cylinder with keys can run from $40 to $100.
Steve in Denver
Call me and I'll tell you a trade secret on how to get it off the tire.
Way too much to type for this old man!
Phil 845 551 5132
 
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