Removing locking hubcaps, without key (1932)

[Hyfire]

Hello guys,


I've got one single locking hubcap on my 1932 spare that my key isn't working for.


Is there any way to remove it without destroying it???


Thanks!


Josh

[Merc Cruzer]

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.

[Lawson Cox]

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¢.

[Hyfire]

I appreciate the input guys. I'll give these suggestions a try today and see how I do. Thanks guys!


Josh

[rockfla]

Do you just not have a key OR the Key will not turn the lock???

[Mart]

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When trying any key in the lock, wobble it around like crazy while trying to turn it. Older worn keys are good for this.
Mart.

[woodiewagon46]

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]

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

[Brian]

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.

[mercman from oz]

1933, 1934 and 1935 Ford Locking Hubcaps

[mercman from oz]

1932 and 1933 Four Cylinder Ford Locking Hubcap

[mercman from oz]

1932 Ford V8 Locking Hubcap

[mercman from oz]

NOS 1933 Ford V8 Locking Hubcap, complete with Keys

[mercman from oz]

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]

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]

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.

[mercman from oz]

Close up shot of underside of 1933 Ford Locking Hubcap

[BoxCar Tom]

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.

[mercman from oz]

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]

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.

[mercman from oz]

Triangular Support for Fender Mounted Spare Wheels on 1934 Ford, Right and Left Mounts. Notice that both Supports are Stamped "L". A Ford Factory error. The one on the right was fitted to my 1934 Ford, and I always wondered why the Spare Wheel wasn't parallel with the car, but Angled in at the front. I replaced it with the painted one on the left and my Spare Wheel now sits correctly.

[51 MERC-CT]

Just use bolt cutters then replace lock.

[Fred A]

The complete lock mechanism was reproduced with correct keys more than a decade ago. one of those locks would make it easy to remove and repair '32 to '35 spare locks. I did one for the Sept. '32 version and was able to get a great price for it. When I find a pristine cap with a damaged lock, I'll do it again. Too many sad cores are not worth spending a lock on. (grammar?) Got a lead on a nice B style for my roadster. Hope it is compatible with my locks. Of course I'd rather rescue the original mechanism. Fun Stuff: Fred A

[Mart]

Are these caps very valuable? I ask because wire wheels can be had relatively cheaply. If it was imperative that the cap was removed in one piece, then the end of the wheel center could be cut off and the access gained to the back of the cap.
It all depends on the relative value of the cap and the cost of replacing the wheel.
Mart.

[deuce lover]

Yes the 32's are still worth some $$ .He (Original poster) has not posted a pic so we need to see if its an original.I agree ,cut the wheel with a cut off tool.

[mercman from oz]

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deuce lover, this picture of a 1932 Ford V8 Locking Hubcap is in Post 12

[deuce lover]

I saw that.I want to see a picture of what he has .

[BoxCar Tom]

The wheel, the cap, the lock. The lock is probably the least expensive and easiest to replace. I agree with Deuce Lover, the original poster should post a picture.

[mercman from oz]

Replacement Lock Cylinders for Early Ford Locking Hubcaps - Pictures by BoxCar Tom

[Hyfire]

Thanks guys. Sorry for the delay. Yes, it's a factory locking cap.



I've attached a photo. I'm trying to get the car cleaned up for sale, but couldn't get the filthy spare off. Ended up lubricating and jiggling like you guys said. It popped right off when it hit the magic spot.



Thanks for your help!!!

[rufus39]

Glad you got it sorted out. Great looking car !

[BoxCar Tom]

Glad you didn't have to take my advice. It's a shame anytime any original part is damaged or destroyed. Well I got to know my hubcaps a little better.