72 Ignition Key

[Anthony F.]

This is a minor issue, but its bugging me. The key was stuck in ignition lock cylinder on my 72. Since replacing the cylinder was beyond my knowledge, I took it to the mechanic I usually use. When I use him, he usually tells me what is wrong, and tells me what parts to order because he knows that I want to keep the car as original as possible, but this time he went ahead and replaced the cylinder. So now I have a different key for the ignition than my doors. I ordered a new cylinder from Ecklers, with the idea of having my locksmith rekey it to match the original key. Ecklers sent me an 'E' cylinder. The locksmith said he can't rekey an 'E' cylinder to use a 'C' key. I compared keys, looks like a 'E' has a longer shank so I'm guessing that is why. Can anyone confirm this, and/or provide the name of a vendor to order 'C' cylinder?

[Terry M.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

This is a minor issue, but its bugging me. The key was stuck in ignition lock cylinder on my 72. Since replacing the cylinder was beyond my knowledge, I took it to the mechanic I usually use. When I use him, he usually tells me what is wrong, and tells me what parts to order because he knows that I want to keep the car as original as possible, but this time he went ahead and replaced the cylinder. So now I have a different key for the ignition than my doors. I ordered a new cylinder from Ecklers, with the idea of having my locksmith rekey it to match the original key. Ecklers sent me an 'E' cylinder. The locksmith said he can't rekey an 'E' cylinder to use a 'C' key. I compared keys, looks like a 'E' has a longer shank so I'm guessing that is why. Can anyone confirm this, and/or provide the name of a vendor to order 'C' cylinder?

Is the ignition cylinder that the mechanic installed a C code cylinder? Look at the new ignition key to see what letter is stamped on it.
If the ignition cylinder is a C code the doors can be made to match the new ignition key, but the door locks will have to be removed. Alternately if it is a C code the ignition cylinder can be made to match the doors, but in that case the ignition cylinder will have to be removed again.

If the ignition cylinder is not a C code it will have to be replaced with a C code cylinder, as your locksmith told you.

The letter codes refer to the keyway cross section shape, not the length. The keyway shape is defined by the configuration of the groves in the side of the key. The groves in the side of the key must match the slots in the cylinder or the key will not enter all the way into the cylinder. There are limited options available for these parts now days.

You might consider contacting Peter Lindahl through this tech board regarding your dilemma. Pete may have some NOS parts to help you out, but there are a variety of questions to be answered about your current situation first. He has experience in this regard with others who have been in the situation you are in. You may even need your old ignition cylinder.

[Edward J.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

Anthony, if you strike out with Pete let me know I know of someone that maybe able help. Ed

[Anthony F.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

Terry, thanks for the detailed response. I googled around before posting, couldn't find a lot of useful information. The cylinder that was installed is a 'C', so I think my best and cheapest course of action at this point is to take off the door panels and have the cylinders rekeyed. Edward, thanks for your offer of help.

[Jim T.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

Can your locksmith or someone else mentioned fix your original ignition switch so that the key will function as it did before you could not remove it?

[Anthony F.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

I'm not sure, some of the plastic components were damaged causing the key to be jammed in the cylinder. I will ask him if it is salvalgable.

[Randy C.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

I don't know how much you are about originality, but if the door lock cylinders are original, I would have the new ignition cylinder removed and re-keyed to your original key. Just personal opinion. It shouldn't be difficult for your mechanic to remove the ignition cylinder and have it re-keyed to your original key.

Randy C.

[Terry M.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

Terry, thanks for the detailed response. I googled around before posting, couldn't find a lot of useful information. The cylinder that was installed is a 'C', so I think my best and cheapest course of action at this point is to take off the door panels and have the cylinders rekeyed. Edward, thanks for your offer of help.

That may be the path of least resistance, but be aware that should you ever have the car judged, the judges do check the keys for the proper keyway letter. If I were you, I would drop an email to Peter just to be sure there is not something I am missing. I have removed the ignition switch once in almost 50 years of Corvette ownership, so I can not claim any particular expertise. Pete has helped many members through these issues and has far superior knowledge on this subject than I do.

[Randy C.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

So I read again and figure out I didn't read it right the first time! The "E" cylinder simply won't work with your "C" key, as mentioned above. If your original cylinder can't be repaired, you'll have to get a new "C" cylinder. There is a vendor that advertises regularly in The Driveline and I'm sure they can fix your problem with the cylinder, one way or another. As well, it's possible a local locksmith can repair your original "C" cylinder, or may be able to find you a new "C" cylinder and key it to your original "C" key. I'd start first with your local locksmith.

Randy C.

Randy C.

[Anthony F.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

Randy, I appreciate your opinion, and along with Terry's advice, it makes sense. I am the original owner, but I didn't always make the right choices during my early years of ownership. I was not a 'Corvette guy', and honestly never imagined I would still have the car 45 years later. In fact, i didnt even know the Corvette I picked off the dealer lot was anything specisl ( LT-1, A/C ). Fortunately, I had the forethought to keep any original major component I had replaced. The original carb, distributor,smog equipment, etc are now rebuilt and sitting on a shelf in my basement. My plan is to (slowly) get back to as close to 100% original as possible. I'm years away from judging, as it's in desperate need of a paint job, but I will get there. I've learned a lot since joining a local NCRS chapter.

[Peter L.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

Anthony - Does your mechanic still have the original ignition lock cylinder??? Hopefully so & if so, get it. Pete

[Steve M.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

I used Peter Lindahl for keys for my 1969 to be judged. Sent him key codes from ignition and spare tire/rear lock compartment. Pete provided keys from my codes. Spare tire lock/rear compartment worked great. Ignition did not match 'original' key. Sent Pete the original key and he worked backwards to determine the key code and provide the correct code and key for the ignition/door. A really nice guy to work with on this issue. Would recommend him without hesitation. Steve Morrow

[Anthony F.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

Peter, I have the original cylinder. I have an excellent local locksmith (a rare thing these days ) who is sure he can fix it. I followed up on some earlier threads that mentioned you and found your ads posted in your chapter newsletter. If you have a cylinder available. I would be interested on purchasing it as a backup. I can get a NOS one through Jessers, but very pricey.

[Peter L.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

Anthony - GR8. Sounds good & I'm sure your local locksmith will work his magic & fix the problem. I'll check in my parts department on the "C" keyway ignition lock cylinder & let you know. Pete

[Ralph S.]

Re: 72 Ignition Key

My collection of NOS locks. when i worked for the railroad at the auto terminal unloading new GM cars in the 70's I used to find extra parts in the cars many times.