copies of keys

[Thomas O.]

The numbers on the ignition and alarm keys for my73 vette are worn off. I would appreciate any lead as to how I may get new copies. thanks tom

[Harmon C.]

Re: copies of keys

Toandm
The ignition and door use an E and the other stuff use a H as I recall. Any hardware should be able to make a key. If you want keys with knockouts and stamped numbers check the driveline and be prepared for sticker shock.

Lyle

[Larry M.]

Re: copies of keys

Tom, email me a closeup photo of your keys, and I can possibly tell you the numbers your local GM dealer will need to set their Curtis key cutting tool at in order to cut you a fresh set of keys.
Thanks,
Larry, # 10731

[Thomas O.]

Re: copies of keys

Larry: I need keys with knockout numbers if I get to NCRS thanks

[Larry M.]

Re: copies of keys

Sorry, Tom; I misunderstood your post. I can't help you with the knock-outs.

[Harmon C.]

Re: copies of keys

Tom
Before you spend money on keys with knockouts make sure all the locks and switchs work and you have no universial keyways. I picked up a set of knockouts from an older GM car salesman when I bought a new car. He gave me a set out of his desk drawer and they were judged lots of times and passed the test correct shape but wrong numbers. I now know the codes used on each model year are known and I have them for 73's but I am not sure if the information is being used in flight judging for all model years. If you have a tank sticker from a 73 the key codes are on it and anyone with a curtice key cutter can make keys that would fit the original locks if they were never changed. Keys for 73's also have the letter E in different positions so find out all you can before spending your cash.

Lyle

[Terry M.]

Re: copies of keys

Contact the "key man" Pete Lindahl through the "view user profiles" link at the top of the page. If he has the blanks he can make you a set of NCRS acceptable keys for your car. He can also tell you how to get the numbers needed to make the keys.

[Jack H.]

It's more work than necessary...

but if you remove a door panel and pull one of your exterior locks, you'll find the door/ignition key code embossed on the side of the lock presuming they're original to the car and haven't been re-coded.

Also, if memory serves, you'll find the other key's original cut code, on the lock cylinder of either the spare tire or glove box lock. This requires removing the lock cylinder from the lock assy to see/read.

Once you have the original codes, any locksmith with a 'code' machine (AND a GM dealer) can cut replacement keys from the codes. That gives you a fresh 'original' key without wear/slop built into it from the copy of a copy process...

Last, most of those knowledgeable in the business can take an existing key, lay it on a template and 'reverse engineer' the key's original cut sequence. Then, if they've got the time, with the cut sequence in hand, they can do a reverse table lookup through the StraTech (formerly Briggs & Stratton) key code tables that're on microfiche to cough up the original key code (key code = cut sequence in the tables).

[Terry M.]

technology marches on

You may want to contact your GM dealer and ask if they have the Curtis cutter and someone who knows how to use it and the code books. The latest in key machines use a computer controlled rotary cutter. Most dealers had to purchase this machine several years ago in order to cut modern keys. The results of this machine will function well. But will not pass judges' scrutiny. They look for the sheer marks made by the Curtis cutter. The dealer may or may not have retained the Curtis cutters and code books. And then there is the issue of having employees who know how to use those antiquated tools, but that is another story.