mercer09 Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 I just bought 4 chevy hubcaps for an early 30s chevy. each one is locking with a key. can someone explain why? were thieves that bad back then? I mean nobody locked their cars or their houses in the day..............! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt G Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 these hubcaps would be fitted to the spare tire so that could not be taken, was a common thing to see on cars of the 1932 - 34 era. There were also a slock system that wasn't in the hubcap that helped hold the tire and rim in place that many times had "Oakes" locks. these are mostly seen from 1928-34 as well on some of the larger cars of that era. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercer09 Posted September 24, 2019 Author Share Posted September 24, 2019 very good Walt- thank you. never dawned on me that four locking hubcaps would have been individuals for spares. Makes sense, because each has a diff key. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt G Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 No thanks necessary, we are all in this because the old cars make us feel good, kindred spirits . Most of us would never have met each other if we didn't have this common bond of cars, history , and admiration of what was made so many decades ago and still can function as it was designed and intended to. Think of the people who attend Hershey - many from Europe, all walking around, happy to be there, genuine euphoria that something like that is happening. Always glad to help anyone I can. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepher Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 A locking fender mount spare tire hold down can be seen in this picture. Had to look one up on the internet since I am not home to take a picture of my car's spares. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chistech Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 Back when these cars were sold, spares were often an additional cost where you bought the rim and also had to buy the tire. The spares were a $20 option and when the car cost $500, that twenty was a substantial amount. I imagine stealing spare wheels and tires was pretty commonplace especially during the depression. My 32’ Olds came with locks as standard equipment if you bought the spare wheels. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 I don't know when the Oakes spare tire lock first came out. But the '25 Studebaker I had many years ago was a solid original car and it had what appeared to be a factory original Oakes spare tire lock. The casting and rivets all looked factory done. They were available after-market, and as options on many cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 I had a 1930s AAA window sticker that said that there was a $6 reward for the conviction of someone stealing a members tire. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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