1936 coupe stuck spare tire lock.

[Kyzyl]

I have a 1936 Ford coupe (that I recently purchased) with a "hurd" spare tire lock that is currently on the car with the spare tire in place, but I can't unlock it even though the key seems to turn the lock without issue.

The key inserts fine, and the key turns from about the 12-o'clock position to about the 2-o'clock position without issue, however, nothing seems to release.
Also, the entire barrel of the lock will spring in-and-out about 1/4" with or without the key being turned.

Everything seems to operate without much effort, but nothing seems to release. The spare tire seems to be quite firmly attached to the car.

There is a black doughnut cover around the barrel of the lock, and under the hinged cover or 'dome', which gives everything a smooth and finished look.
It will spin, but doesn't come loose, perhaps because the lock is still holding everything together?

I've seen photos online of old spare tire locks like mine, and they appear to have two ears that should retract when the key is rotated. I have no means to tell if the two ears of my lock are retracting when the key is released or not, because the back side and bottom of the spare tire mount is enclosed.

I'm not 100% sure how everything should come apart. I'm assuming the lock has to release before the decorative 'doughnut' will release?

Any thoughts or suggestions?

ps: I hope you can see the photos via this link:



https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i6V...usp=share_link