SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1966 Shelby GT350/GT350H => Topic started by: 6s1640 on October 11, 2020, 10:54:36 PM

Title: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: 6s1640 on October 11, 2020, 10:54:36 PM
Not necessarily memorability, but definitely a 1966 Hertz GT350H artifact.  The attached images shows the speedometer cable locks to keep the GT350H renter mostly honest.  The lock with large hole was on the back of the speedometer in the cluster, capturing the large nut inside, preventing the speedometer cable from being disengaged from the speedometer.  The other was to prevent the removal of the small bolt holding the speedometer cable to the transmission.  When the rental cars left Hertz, these were suppose to be removed, but not all were removed.

I have had these for years.  Purchased off a popular auction site.   IIRC, the seller tells me he and a buddy parted out a GT350H many years ago, rust bucket, and he kept these locks, stored away in the sock draw in his bed room.  Years later he found, auction off and sold to me.  They are the second set I have ever seen.

It will take some pretty rare piece(s) to make this trade.

Enjoy

Cory
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Bob Gaines on October 11, 2020, 11:42:51 PM
Quote from: 6s1640 on October 11, 2020, 10:54:36 PM
Not necessarily memorability, but definitely a 1966 Hertz GT350H artifact.  The attached images shows the speedometer cable locks to keep the GT350H renter mostly honest.  The lock with large hole was on the back of the speedometer in the cluster, capturing the large nut inside, preventing the speedometer cable from being disengaged from the speedometer.  The other was to prevent the removal of the small bolt holding the speedometer cable to the transmission.  When the rental cars left Hertz, these were suppose to be removed, but not all were removed.

I have had these for years.  Purchased off a popular auction site.   IIRC, the seller tells me he and a buddy parted out a GT350H many years ago, rust bucket, and he kept these locks, stored away in the sock draw in his bed room.  Years later he found, auction off and sold to me.  They are the second set I have ever seen.

It will take some pretty rare piece(s) to make this trade.

Enjoy

Cory
Cory, extremely cool .Thanks for posting a picture of a seldom seen rare artifact.  For those reading evidence suggest that the locks were not used company wide . They were used in problem rental areas.Also they were supposed to be taken off when the cars were turned back in for resale. Obviously some got forgotten . I thought I would mention it so a Hertz owner would not think that his car would automatically get one or need one. They would be a cool addition to any Hertz car but just because they are not on a car doesn't mean the car is missing something. 
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on October 12, 2020, 12:10:42 AM
Looks like they repurposed spare tire locks - http://www.garybeaupre.com/Site/Spare_Tire_Locks_Page1.html
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Bob Gaines on October 12, 2020, 12:35:57 AM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on October 12, 2020, 12:10:42 AM
Looks like they repurposed spare tire locks - http://www.garybeaupre.com/Site/Spare_Tire_Locks_Page1.html
The double sided security key seen in Cory's picture is far harder to pick and completely different mechanism then the single sided key used in the GM tire locks seen in your provided link. The bodies do look similar however.
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: 6s1640 on October 12, 2020, 12:51:22 AM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 11, 2020, 11:42:51 PM
Quote from: 6s1640 on October 11, 2020, 10:54:36 PM
Not necessarily memorability, but definitely a 1966 Hertz GT350H artifact.  The attached images shows the speedometer cable locks to keep the GT350H renter mostly honest.  The lock with large hole was on the back of the speedometer in the cluster, capturing the large nut inside, preventing the speedometer cable from being disengaged from the speedometer.  The other was to prevent the removal of the small bolt holding the speedometer cable to the transmission.  When the rental cars left Hertz, these were suppose to be removed, but not all were removed.

I have had these for years.  Purchased off a popular auction site.   IIRC, the seller tells me he and a buddy parted out a GT350H many years ago, rust bucket, and he kept these locks, stored away in the sock draw in his bed room.  Years later he found, auction off and sold to me.  They are the second set I have ever seen.

It will take some pretty rare piece(s) to make this trade.

Enjoy

Cory
Cory, extremely cool .Thanks for posting a picture of a seldom seen rare artifact.  For those reading evidence suggest that the locks were not used company wide . They were used in problem rental areas.Also they were supposed to be taken off when the cars were turned back in for resale. Obviously some got forgotten . I thought I would mention it so a Hertz owner would not think that his car would automatically get one or need one. They would be a cool addition to any Hertz car but just because they are not on a car doesn't mean the car is missing something.

Hi Bob,  I agree with your assessment as well.  I have heard people finding the speedometer side lock and not the transmission lock.  The speedometer lock is much more work to remove.  I can imagine as a tech prep'ing the car for resale, they may have cut a few corners and not take them all off.

On the locks themselves, the one to watch for are the ones made by T&A MFG Co. St.Paul MINN.  There are other suppliers out there with very similar designs.

Take care

Cory
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: J_Speegle on October 13, 2020, 02:17:40 PM
Thanks for sharing Cory. Have pictures of a few of them though I've not found any myself. Never thought to check other Hertz rental cars I found in yards though I likely should had made the effort. Too busy looking for other things and taking pictures I guess
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Rocket on October 13, 2020, 06:43:05 PM
6S550 did not have either lock on it when I bought it in 1967. Ron
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: jerry merrill on October 14, 2020, 01:35:46 AM
My 66 # 1869 had one one it when I bought the car in 1976. The car was partially disassembled and the instrument cluster was in a box with other parts with the lock installed. I was able to finally remove the lock and cable and must have disposed of it as I did not know the car was a Hertz as it was white with blue stripes and I did not find out the cars history until a few years later.
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: GT350Lad on October 14, 2020, 05:24:54 AM
Very cool.thanks for sharing
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: NC TRACKRAT on October 14, 2020, 09:37:06 AM
I was fortunate to find one exactly like Cory's (T&A mfg.) a few years back and realized what it was. It had no keys but a very competent locksmith here in town made a set for me.
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on November 14, 2020, 08:58:15 AM
Pictures of locks installed
Speedometer and transmission
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: commok on November 16, 2020, 10:17:59 PM
Way cool - thanks for posting!
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: 6s1640 on November 17, 2020, 03:13:20 AM
Hi Steve,

Very nice.  I am assuming you are happy with these locks.

My son has been watching a YouTube video on picking locks.  There is some guy he watches that can pick any lock.  I'd like to see him pick the gauge cluster lock while installed in the dash.  The transmission one might be easier to pick.  If I was a crook back in the day, I'd just cut the cable.

When you get you display put together for the car show, you will have to post pictures of that as well.

Thanks for sharing.

Cory
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Bob Gaines on November 17, 2020, 11:34:19 AM
Quote from: 6s1640 on November 17, 2020, 03:13:20 AM
Hi Steve,

Very nice.  I am assuming you are happy with these locks.

My son has been watching a YouTube video on picking locks.  There is some guy he watches that can pick any lock.  I'd like to see him pick the gauge cluster lock while installed in the dash.  The transmission one might be easier to pick.  If I was a crook back in the day, I'd just cut the cable.

When you get you display put together for the car show, you will have to post pictures of that as well.

Thanks for sharing.

Cory
Cory, I don't understand why a Crook would cut the cable. It didn't have anything to do with stealing a car, The purpose of the lock was to keep the speedometer cable from being disconnected to circumvent mileage used to determine a rental car bill .It had to be done without anyone knowing otherwise you would not get away with the scam. Typically not a huge amount of money ether way. The lock didn't have to be super sophisticated because it wasn't that big of deal. Yes they are on the easy side to pick if a key is lost.I have done it with a lock pick a couple of times for friends who found them. There would be no incentive for a crook to cut the cable.  If the crook cut the cable then it would be obvious he was trying to manipulate the mileage and the scam would not be successful.
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on November 17, 2020, 05:02:41 PM
I plan on having a display of the installed locks at the 2021 MCACN show at the Hertz Collection Invitational, everyone who wants to can stop by and see them
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: 6s1640 on November 17, 2020, 06:13:25 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on November 17, 2020, 11:34:19 AM
Quote from: 6s1640 on November 17, 2020, 03:13:20 AM
Hi Steve,

Very nice.  I am assuming you are happy with these locks.

My son has been watching a YouTube video on picking locks.  There is some guy he watches that can pick any lock.  I'd like to see him pick the gauge cluster lock while installed in the dash.  The transmission one might be easier to pick.  If I was a crook back in the day, I'd just cut the cable.

When you get you display put together for the car show, you will have to post pictures of that as well.

Thanks for sharing.

Cory
Cory, I don't understand why a Crook would cut the cable. It didn't have anything to do with stealing a car, The purpose of the lock was to keep the speedometer cable from being disconnected to circumvent mileage used to determine a rental car bill .It had to be done without anyone knowing otherwise you would not get away with the scam. Typically not a huge amount of money ether way. The lock didn't have to be super sophisticated because it wasn't that big of deal. Yes they are on the easy side to pick if a key is lost.I have done it with a lock pick a couple of times for friends who found them. There would be no incentive for a crook to cut the cable.  If the crook cut the cable then it would be obvious he was trying to manipulate the mileage and the scam would not be successful.

Hi Bob,

I don't disagree with you. You are right.  Back to my first comments, the locks are mostly to keep honest people honest "...keep the GT350H renter mostly honest."

Take care

Cory
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Bob Gaines on November 17, 2020, 06:16:41 PM
Quote from: 6s1640 on November 17, 2020, 06:13:25 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on November 17, 2020, 11:34:19 AM
Quote from: 6s1640 on November 17, 2020, 03:13:20 AM
Hi Steve,

Very nice.  I am assuming you are happy with these locks.

My son has been watching a YouTube video on picking locks.  There is some guy he watches that can pick any lock.  I'd like to see him pick the gauge cluster lock while installed in the dash.  The transmission one might be easier to pick.  If I was a crook back in the day, I'd just cut the cable.

When you get you display put together for the car show, you will have to post pictures of that as well.

Thanks for sharing.

Cory
Cory, I don't understand why a Crook would cut the cable. It didn't have anything to do with stealing a car, The purpose of the lock was to keep the speedometer cable from being disconnected to circumvent mileage used to determine a rental car bill .It had to be done without anyone knowing otherwise you would not get away with the scam. Typically not a huge amount of money ether way. The lock didn't have to be super sophisticated because it wasn't that big of deal. Yes they are on the easy side to pick if a key is lost.I have done it with a lock pick a couple of times for friends who found them. There would be no incentive for a crook to cut the cable.  If the crook cut the cable then it would be obvious he was trying to manipulate the mileage and the scam would not be successful.

Hi Bob,

I don't disagree with you. You are right.  Back to my first comments, the locks are mostly to keep honest people honest "...keep the GT350H renter mostly honest."

Take care

Cory
For sure. Where there is a will there is a way.
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on November 17, 2020, 08:15:55 PM
Quote from: 6s1640 on November 17, 2020, 03:13:20 AM
Hi Steve,

Very nice.  I am assuming you are happy with these locks.

My son has been watching a YouTube video on picking locks.  There is some guy he watches that can pick any lock.  I'd like to see him pick the gauge cluster lock while installed in the dash.  The transmission one might be easier to pick.  If I was a crook back in the day, I'd just cut the cable.

When you get you display put together for the car show, you will have to post pictures of that as well.
   Very happy 😃
Thanks for sharing.

Cory
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: J_Speegle on November 17, 2020, 09:58:38 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on November 17, 2020, 11:34:19 AM
Cory, I don't understand why a Crook would cut the cable. ........

Think I would just pull the cable and gear out of the trans and zip tie or bailing wire it up out of the way.  Just a thought concerning a practice that I saw once to twice  ::)

Understand that renters are not typically gear heads and didn't want to get their suits dirty
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: 6s1640 on November 17, 2020, 11:17:16 PM
Quote from: J_Speegle on November 17, 2020, 09:58:38 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on November 17, 2020, 11:34:19 AM
Cory, I don't understand why a Crook would cut the cable. ........

Think I would just pull the cable and gear out of the trans and zip tie or bailing wire it up out of the way.  Just a thought concerning a practice that I saw once to twice  ::)

Understand that renters are not typically gear heads and didn't want to get their suits dirty

Hi Jeff and Bob,

Guess I would not make a good crook.  Thanks for straightening me out.

Take care

Cory
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on July 26, 2021, 09:12:38 AM
Here's a few pictures of the Speedometer locks install on a display stand

Still have to finish it up and add a information panel
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: propayne on July 26, 2021, 09:31:10 AM
That's a cool display Steve -

Also remember that rental car outfits got in trouble, and people did jail time, for turning back the mileage on their rental cars before selling them off.

The lower the mileage the more they could be sold for.

- Phillip
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: 68stangcjfb on July 26, 2021, 10:16:57 AM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 12, 2020, 12:35:57 AM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on October 12, 2020, 12:10:42 AM
Looks like they repurposed spare tire locks - http://www.garybeaupre.com/Site/Spare_Tire_Locks_Page1.html
The double sided security key seen in Cory's picture is far harder to pick and completely different mechanism then the single sided key used in the GM tire locks seen in your provided link. The bodies do look similar however.
[/quNothig                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Nothing The Lockpicking Lawyer on UTube cant handle! ;D
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: gt350hr on July 26, 2021, 03:38:29 PM
Quote from: J_Speegle on November 17, 2020, 09:58:38 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on November 17, 2020, 11:34:19 AM
Cory, I don't understand why a Crook would cut the cable. ........

Think I would just pull the cable and gear out of the trans and zip tie or bailing wire it up out of the way.  Just a thought concerning a practice that I saw once to twice  ::)

Understand that renters are not typically gear heads and didn't want to get their suits dirty

   Remove the gear off of the trans end and put the cable back in for no leaks.
       Randy
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on July 26, 2021, 04:42:14 PM
please note that the cars had two different types of locks, the one on the speedometer head ( discontinued because of the labor required to install) look closely at the tail shaft picture and you'll see the 2nd type that prevented pulling the speedometer cable.
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: J_Speegle on July 26, 2021, 06:43:21 PM
Quote from: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on July 26, 2021, 04:42:14 PM
please note that the cars had two different types of locks, the one on the speedometer head ( discontinued because of the labor required to install) look closely at the tail shaft picture and you'll see the 2nd type that prevented pulling the speedometer cable.

Have you compared where each car was rented out from?  Have found other Hertz details that were site specific not would not be surprised if this was somewhat similar
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Bob Gaines on July 26, 2021, 07:00:14 PM
Also for those reading not all Hertz rentals used the locks on their rental cars . It was just the rental facilities that were having problems. The rental car company was supposed to take all speedo locks off when they turned the cars in to be sold . Obviously that didn't always happen. 
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on July 26, 2021, 07:48:33 PM
I can't find any pattern or reason why they were used in some places and not in others. They were apparently not used widely. I also heard that they were supposed to have all been removed, but apparently some escaped. It took awhile to collect all the parts
I just thought it made a neat display. I plan on having this and other unique Hertz items at MCAN this Nov.
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Bob Gaines on July 26, 2021, 10:18:42 PM
It is a one of a kind display and very cool.
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on July 27, 2021, 06:12:24 AM
👍
Title: Re: Hertz Speedmeter lock
Post by: alexgt350h on July 27, 2021, 02:25:13 PM
I have a spare tire lock used at Louisville Ford dealership back in the day. It is made by T&A Mfrg. St. Paul, Minn.
Was given to me by a former mechanic that had it in his tool box.
It looks very similar to the speedo lock.
Brent