If It Moves, Lock It!

It wasn't long after the automobile began its ride to popularity that aftermarket locks became available to protect the driver's valuables, including the car itself.

Hundreds of Ideas

Hundreds of ideas for locking devices began showing up at the patent office: some were good ideas, others, not so. Locks became available for wheels, spare tires, lap robes, foot pedals, gas lines, and in the case of the Model T Ford, even locks on top of locks.

The Demise of Accessory Locks

Most accessory locks became obsolete with the popularization of closed cars with their lockable doors and trunks, although a few remained for exterior use, such as for gas caps, fender skirts and even license plate frames.

Accessory Locks for Antique Cars

Spare Tire Locks - Page 3

While a plain length of chain would do the trick, it was possible to get a special leather covered chain so as not to scratch the paint. A leather covered padlock was actually available as well. A photo of that is included with the spare tire padlocks.
This wire rope tire lock assembly came with a built in combination lock.	Junkunc spare tire chain lock has a leather covering
Decker chain lock head for Reo seen on e-bay.	Spare tire chain lock with attached Yale padlock
Trio chain lock head	Johnson double-ended spare tire lock for use with chain