General An interesting dilemma....!

[LittleSilverBoat]

Hi folks - just looking for a spot of advice if I may...

Recently bought a '98 LE model, with the original alloys on it. It suddenly dawned on me yesterday that they have what looks like a security key lock on each of the hubs and I don't have a key! This obviously means that I can't get the wheels off any time soon so I have to pray not to get a puncture...

Does anyone know anything about this? Is the key a generic LE wheel key or is it bespoke for each car? Either way, where can I get a key??

As ever, Thanks in advance, I am not worthy :worship:

Adam

 

[bumble]

Are you talking about a locking wheel nut? If so, a couple of years ago whilst at Tyre Services, I witnessed a fitter help out a customer who had lost their 'key nut' thing. They had something to undo them. Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[desert rat]

No lock on my Fiat alloy wheels... Sorry. I doub't its a generic thing.

Can you contact the previous owner?

Have a good check around inside the car / under spare wheel or anyplace you can think the last owner could have stashed it.

Failing that no real ideas, sorry!

Maybe get a garage to carefully weld a bolt to the end of them...?? I do not know if this is at all possible without damaging the alloy wheel. they melt before the steel

Good luck

 

[LittleSilverBoat]

Thanks guys. Alas Steve, it's not a locking wheel nut, it's the lock for a small hub cap that sits over the wheel nuts in the middle of the wheel. I'll try and post a pic tomorrow.

Good idea desert rat! I'll have a proper look around the car and speak with the previous owner tomorrow...

Adam

 

[bumble]

Sorry Adam - I misunderstood the lock. If, having searched the car and spoken to the previous owner, your'e still stuck, I would still contact a locksmith. Some of these guys can do magic. If the lock has a conventional keyhole, you could weld a self tapper to the end of the bar on a sliding hammer, screw it into the keyhole and rip the lock barrel out. This is obviously going to destroy the lock. In the mean time, I would definitely buy an aerosol of Tyreweld from Halfords in case you get a puncture. Good luck mate. Keep us posted.

Steve

 

[KC3]

Hiya, if its just the cover protecting the wheels nuts, it only needs a star key , the type found on fruit machine locks.. or a big screw driver and a few turns and it will pop open.. Hope this helps..

 

[KC3]

Hiya, if its just the cover protecting the wheels nuts, it only needs a star key , the type found on fruit machine locks.. or a big screw driver and a few turns and it will pop open.. Hope this helps..
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:35&biw=1266&bih=608

 

[LittleSilverBoat]

Great news!

Found the key - the previous owner was a stickler for detail and had put it under the spare wheel in the back. Really glad I found it, it turns out that that although it's just the cover for the wheel nuts, the key IS bespoke. It would have been a nightmare to sort out. Phew!

Thanks for your help guys, emergency averted!

Adam