Topic: factory lug locks
in Forum: C4 General Discussion
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Standard Member
Send PM
St. Louis, MO - USA
Joined: 6/28/2016
Posts: 25
Vette(s): Red 1986 Corvette convertible
Hi All,
Does anyone know where I can get a socket for the factory lug locks I have on my 1986 Corvette? Was going to check my brakes and can't get wheels off because of locking lug on wheels. I really appreciate any help on this.
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C4VR)
Standard Member
Send PM
Mission Viejo, CA - USA
Joined: 3/18/2015
Posts: 74
Vette(s): Yellow '84 Coupe
There are a lot of different patterns for the locking lug nuts. I had the same problem on an older car, and I visited several tire shops before I found one with the right "key" in their assortment of wheel lug nut "keys". Tire shops run into this problem all the time!
Standard Member
Send PM
St. Louis, MO - USA
Joined: 6/28/2016
Posts: 25
Vette(s): Red 1986 Corvette convertible
I'll try several tire shops. Maybe I'll get lucky. I want to go to funfest in Effingham next week end. Would like to drive Vette. But not if I can't get wheel off.
Thanks
Standard Member
Moderator
Send PM
Moderator
Joined: 3/20/2009
Posts: 611
Vette(s): Black 1979 L-82
Black 1996 LT1
Black 1999 Coupe
legsdiamond said: Hi All,
Does anyone know where I can get a socket for the factory lug locks I have on my 1986 Corvette? Was going to check my brakes and can't get wheels off because of locking lug on wheels. I really appreciate any help on this.
Try Ebay, they have a bunch.
I also have a '86. I found that the socket or the special lug nuts tend to wear over time to the point it is difficult to get the socket over the lug nut. I finally just got rid of the special locking nuts and replaced them with regular lug nuts like the others on the car.
If you have upgraded your wheels with some pricy ones, you may want to keep looking for a socket. Otherwise, with the stock '86 wheels, you probably don't have to worry about someone stealing them.
If you have upgraded your wheels with some pricy ones, you may want to keep looking for a socket. Otherwise, with the stock '86 wheels, you probably don't have to worry about someone stealing them.

if you are willing they can be removed by most tire shops with the left hand thread tool designed to remove the locks when the key is lost. They will then have to be replaced. It took about 10 minutes for all 4 locks to be removed and replaced with a new set with a key. I then ordered a second key and keep it in the house
\. I have special chrome ZR1 wheels and thet have no damage from this process.
Standard Member
Send PM
Mission Viejo, CA - USA
Joined: 3/18/2015
Posts: 74
Vette(s): Yellow '84 Coupe
I replaced ALL of my lug nuts with "spline drive" nuts. They are much more rugged than the "puzzle lock" nuts, and also look very nice. I don't like the look of the "puzzle lock" nuts.
in Forum: C4 General Discussion
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C4VR)