Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

[Larry E.]

Like a lot of owners of C2 Corvettes when the car is bought the tire lock is long gone like mine was. I now use
three keys for operations>ignition-doors>glove box alone>tire lock(bought from Paragon). I would like to get
it down to TWO for judging purposes. Thinking of using Jessers Classic Keys for help. Can go two ways>Send
them the glove box lock with the tire lock key to change the glove box lock to use the tire lock key. Or reverse
it and send them the tire lock with the glove box key to get it changed. What is the best way to do this??
Thanks in advance>>Larry

[Harry S.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Larry, I had a similar problem. I used a local locksmith. He rekeyed my tire lock and cut me a new key while I waited. I recall the price was $20.00.

[Frank D.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Larry, I had a similar problem. I used a local locksmith. He rekeyed my tire lock and cut me a new key while I waited. I recall the price was $20.00.

Did the same thing 7 years ago; price was $13.... Try to find a smith that's been around a while.

[Gary B.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Larry,

Unless you live in NY City and go to the locksmith department at the Gucci store, I predict that Jesser’s is going to be way more expensive than any other locksmith. But I doubt you will find a locksmith that will do what you want done for $13. Frank’s experience from 7 years ago is not the norm; then or now.

One piece of advice I would give you is, if your glove box lock is original to the car, it’s very likely the key code is stamped into the side of the push button. You won’t be able to check for the code unless you remove the push button from the case. But if the code is there, if I were you, I would preserve that key code and have the spare tire lock changed to that code.

Also, will your present glove box key fully insert into the spare tire lock key slot? I ask because some vendors sell 67 and newer spare tire locks for use with 63-66 cars and the keyways in those newer locks might be different from the groove 15 keyway that was used by GM up through ‘66. Just something to check, since that could complicate your plans.

Gary

[Larry E.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Gary>Thanks for the input; will check the above out tomorrow and get back with you>Larry

[Larry E.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Update on the above> I must have lucked out>Tried the repro tire lock
key this AM and IT WORKED in my Glovebox. to my surprise. I guess there is so many combo
and I just lucked out. Thanks To All>Larry

[Gary B.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Larry,

You should buy a lottery ticket today!

Gary

[Gerald C.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Okay. I have a spare tire lock that I need the tumbler that will accept the ignition key on my 63. I tried rekeying the tumbler but the interior groove will not accept the ignition key. Does anyone know where I can buy this tumbler? The JM says the same key on the 63 has to open all locks. If this tumbler is not available, I'll take the point hit when it comes. Just trying be as correct as possible.

Thanks

[Gary B.]

[Gerald C.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Gary,

Here are pictures of what I have. Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks
JerryTumbler.jpgSpare Tire Lock Top.jpgSpare Tire Lock with a B1 on the end of the tumbler.jpgTumbler Top.jpg

[Gary B.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Jerry,

That is a replacement style lock, with the larger face cap. That style of lock core and face cap did not exist until 1967. In your third photo, do the two octagonal keys have a letter code on them? And do those octagonal keys also operate the lock?

And what letter code is stamped into the blade on the large head, oval key that is inserted into the lock core? If the octagonal keys and the large head oval keys have the same letter code, it’s probably a restricted core. And that core cannot be made to work with a ‘63 key.

Finally, also in the third photo, I see that there is no lock release pin in the small hole at the 6 o’clock position as the photo is oriented. Do you have that lock release pin? Or is that pin lost? And is there a small spring still sitting in the bottom of that hole?

Gary

[Gerald C.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Gary,
The two octagonal keys have a B10 on them. The octagonal keys do not fit in the lock because of the slots on the keys. I do not have that pin nor the spring in the lock. The oval key has a "B" on the blade of the key. The octagonal keys just have the B10 on the head of the key.

[Gary B.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Jerry,

It looks like the lock core must be restricted to B keyway keys. Which means it’s correct for ‘67, ‘71, ‘75, and ‘79. And it means that core cannot be made to work with your ‘63 key.

I know of no vendor who sells just sells unrestricted lock cores for those tire locks. Complete tire locks with unrestricted cores were once sold by Long Island Corvette, or maybe Paragon, some years ago, but I don’t know if Paragon or Zip still sells them. If they do, you’d have to purchase an entire lock to get an unrestricted core.

The missing lock release pin and spring is an inconvenience at best. With no pin present, when you insert the key, the lock can be turned either clockwise to operate the lock normally, or the key can be turned counterclockwise, allowing the core to be removed. The pin would have prevented counterclockwise motion, unless the pin is depressed with a paper clip. Again, I know of no vendor who sells just the pin and its associated spring.

Gary

[Gerald C.]

Re: Question on C2 (66) Glove Box/Tire Lock Keys

Thanks Gary for your help. I'll look around to see if I can find one that works for me