Dean, I'm sure you've tried this......remove the outer band that covers the tread first.Then,turn the key and pull on the wheel cover so the lock and cover come off as one piece. I'm not sure, but it might work.Just don't force anything. Good luck.
The hubcap folds down revealing a lock cylinder flush with the plate covering the center of the wheel. I can turn the key 1/4 turn cw and feel the fingers of the lock retracting in the back. The plate won't budge tho.
One quarter turn should do it. Try pressing in on the lock cylinder at the same time as turning the key. There are two little fingers that engage the lip of the hole in the spare wheel carrier and it would seem that one or both of them is hanging up on the lip. I am assuming that you have already removed the outer band on the tire.
Dean, You need to remove the center locking cone before the tire cover will come off. It may be stuck in place after years of use. I have enclosed pictures of the center locking cone by itself and in place. Hope this helps.
Don
Attachments
Center locking cone installed in spare tire cover.jpg
Thanks Don, great pics. I can feel the fingers retracting in the back when the key is turned so it's just a matter of freeing a stuck cone. Soaking with penetrant now.