Removing locking hubcaps, without key (1932)
- Thread starter Hyfire
- Start date
Merc Cruzer
Well-known member
If you can get it off without destroying it, remove the pins in the lock tumbler and then reassemble it, with out the pins, so you can then use any key or screwdriver to lock and unlock it.
I would guess you have already tried all of the oils, rust penetrates and heat, trying to loosen it. You might want to try a mixture of Acetone and transmission fluid, then find a way to inject it into the key slot, let it set for a few days, then work the lock with the key. Keep repeating the same procedure until it works.
I would guess you have already tried all of the oils, rust penetrates and heat, trying to loosen it. You might want to try a mixture of Acetone and transmission fluid, then find a way to inject it into the key slot, let it set for a few days, then work the lock with the key. Keep repeating the same procedure until it works.
Lawson Cox
Well-known member
If you can get to the back side, which is probably impossible, you may be able to work from there. You have three fingers holding the cap on.
Your best bet is to find a key blank that will fit, then take it to a good locksmith. He should be able to make a key that will fit. Slow and expensive process. First, try any extra keys you can find, beg, bum, borrow or steal. You may just luck up on one that fits. Check with one of the guys on the barn that makes keys. Ford may have used a limited combination of keys for spare tires, and he may be able to come up with a couple of numbers that will work. I'd try them first. My 2¢.
Your best bet is to find a key blank that will fit, then take it to a good locksmith. He should be able to make a key that will fit. Slow and expensive process. First, try any extra keys you can find, beg, bum, borrow or steal. You may just luck up on one that fits. Check with one of the guys on the barn that makes keys. Ford may have used a limited combination of keys for spare tires, and he may be able to come up with a couple of numbers that will work. I'd try them first. My 2¢.
woodiewagon46
BANNED
I have success the way that Mart suggests with a Model A door lock. Keep pressure towards the way the key should turn and wiggle the key in and out.
BoxCar Tom
Well-known member
If all else fails. you will probably have to drill out the lock, then install a working replacement. Later caps use the same lock but the back of the lock cylinder must be machined to properly fit the 32 housing. Damaged nonrestorable later caps can be found with functional locks that can be retrofitted to the 32 cap. I have a spare complete unrestored 35 cap if interested
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Brian
Well-known member
If you can get to the backside of the hubcap, the centre retainer of the three pins is held onto the back of the barrel with what looks like a rivet. It is, in fact , a screw...if you can somehow put a slot in it [dremel?] you'll be able to simply unscrew it, the three pins will fall away, and the hubcap will no longer be fixed to the wheel.
Or, if it's a Hurd cap, the barrel is held in place with a screw in the side of the boss. Removal of this screw should allow you to tap the barrel inwards, or, even easier? by using a key [any Hurd key?] to rotate the entire lock/three pin assembly into the unlocked position.
Or, if it's a Hurd cap, the barrel is held in place with a screw in the side of the boss. Removal of this screw should allow you to tap the barrel inwards, or, even easier? by using a key [any Hurd key?] to rotate the entire lock/three pin assembly into the unlocked position.
mercman from oz
Well-known member
1933, 1934 and 1935 Ford Locking Hubcaps
mercman from oz
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1932 and 1933 Four Cylinder Ford Locking Hubcap
mercman from oz
Well-known member
1932 Ford V8 Locking Hubcap
mercman from oz
Well-known member
NOS 1933 Ford V8 Locking Hubcap, complete with Keys
mercman from oz
Well-known member
I know that the above pictures that I just added do not help solve how to remove a Locking Hubcap without a Key, but I thought that I would add pictures of the various years, as there is a lot of confusion out there as to which is the correct Hubcap for a particular model Ford.
Brian
Well-known member
In that very last photo, kindly submitted by mercman, you can just see the head of the cylinder lock screw protruding from a boss where the keys are. If you can loosen that screw, you'll be able to rotate the whole lock assembly into the unlocked position, and remove cap from wheel.
BoxCar Tom
Well-known member
Follow up to post #8 The collar on the back of a 35 lock cylinder must be machined to the same diameter as the collar on a 32 lock so that it fits the 32 housing. See following pictures.
Attachments
mercman from oz
Well-known member
Close up shot of underside of 1933 Ford Locking Hubcap
BoxCar Tom
Well-known member
I get the impression from the thread title that the locking hub cap is locked on the spare that is mounted on the car. As such there is NO access to the back of the cap.
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mercman from oz
Well-known member
Side Mounted Spare Wheel Mount on 1934 Fords. As you can see, there is not much room to access the rear of the Locking Hubcap.
mercman from oz
Well-known member
Fender Mounted Spare Wheel Support on 1934 Ford. The only space to access the inside of the Locking Hubcap is the Slotted part above the Locking Nut.