VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1930/1931 rear spare tire lock - seized

I picked up what I believe to be a 1930/1931 rear tire carrier accessory lock. The cylinder# and key# match, so I am pretty confident I have the correct keys but the key will not turn to release the stud from the back.

Do anyone have any insights as to what the inside looks like/how it works?

Could this be a similar issue to the electrolock cable in that the cylinder might have expanded over time?

Hello trreinke,
Your lock and keys may or may not match. I think that a good locksmith could dust off the old reference books and verify what you have and see if the keys are cut correctly or not and possibly understand how the lock is installed.

The lock has pot metal parts that have expanded. Lubricate it with good penetrating oil several times and try to get the lock to move with a screwdriver blade (stronger than the key). If you can get it to move at all then it is possible to work it enough to wear the parts so the key will work.