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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Jeff,
Pete Lindahl and I did a research survey project about 15 (?) years ago to determine the size of the key ring hole in the knockout bell of original keys. We wrote up the results for an article in The Restorer, which unfortunately I no longer have. But based on my memory, original keys thru the 1967 model year had the larger size hole for the key ring, with the smaller size hole was widespread in the ‘68 model year. With NOS key blanks, I’ve had boxes of NOS blanks with the larger hole and other boxes of NOS blanks with the smaller hole. My rule of thumb is that in production, original ‘53 thru ‘’67 keys had the larger hole, and newly cut keys should match that finding.
GaryComment
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Gary,
Thanks for that clarification. I will use this guidance going forward.
JeffComment
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Given the diminishing quantity of the pre-67 key blanks keys (in my inventory anyway) with the larger size hole, I can envision in not too many years my having to drill out the smaller hole to recreate the larger hole. A bit of a pain.
GaryComment
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Hi Gary
Thanks for your follow up.
Yes. The questions were (several)
My car is a second week Dec build. If the transition is between Dec 62 and Jan 63 for the keys and spare tire lock assembly I am not sure which is the best approach for purchase of new keys and spare tire lock assembly (I assume I will be able to find the components I am looking for). Is either early or new components acceptable in my case? Any suggestion?
It appears the only difference I see when looking at the early and newer key sets is an R within a circle? Is this your read on the keys?
When looking at the numeric keying number stamped on the keys was there a numeric key sequence that was followed where if I purchase new keys they should fall within a certain number group? In which case the keys should follow this sequence?
I guess this question is in general and expands somewhat on my key and spare tire lock assembly. If I purchase a new ignition electrical switch unit to go with new ignition keys from one of our corvette parts suppliers do you think there is any compatibility issue in mating the two together or perhaps was this mating the same for C2 cars?
I am out of my element on the key and lock mechanism so if the questions do not make sense I will try to provide some other description.
Once again thank you for your help. I am getting an education out of your and other members comments and detail.
RichComment
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Rich, you may have the correct ignition switch in the car.
Please read through this thread -----> https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...hlight=1116635
635 is embossed on an original part. You can also use the 650 switch. A used 635 will be about $125 + or - and NOS will be double that.
Pull your switch and take a look.
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Harry
I appreciate the information but the ignition switch like the ignition cylinder are not original I have replaced them several times over the years and wanted to put in something new for both. I trying to stay as near to original as possible both. Just trying to gather as much information as possible before I buy and install. I have little insight into these parts and how they have changed over the years and appreciate what I have learned from the response from members especially the pictures and detail provided by Gary. I probably have enough information at this point to go ahead and make some purchases.
Thanks again for your help
RichComment
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Rich,
If the door locks are original to the car, I would not replace them if they still work reasonably well. I suggest you go thru all your keys and test each one to see if any work the doors. If you find one that does, that key will become your future primary key. The ignition cylinder, glove box lock cylinder and future spare tire lock cylinder can all be recoded to match your door key. There simply is no good reason to replace your door locks if then still work.
GaryComment
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
If your car was built the 2nd week of Dec 1962, then the car must have come with a no-R key. (The presence or absence of the R within the circle is the only difference between early 63 and non-early 63 keys.) The 4-digit key code number must be a number between 8000 and 9499. One if those 1500 numbers is the original key code for your car. There is no relation between build date or VIN and the key code number. The codes were randomly assigned. If your door locks are original to the car, the key code number will be stamped into the outer surface of the lock case. The number can up be seen using a flash light and a mirror by removing the door panel and looking at the cylindrical surface of the lock inside the door.
In my opinion, the most reasonable tire lock for a car with your build date is a no-weep hole lock. No judge should ever question that.
GaryComment
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Be grateful that the original hole wasn't the small one and the ones available aren't the large. It's far easier to drill out than fill in.
JeffComment
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Thanks Gary I will follow your advice.
Appreciated information.
Regards
RichComment
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Rich,
If the glove box lock is original to the car, it too should have the key code stamped into the side or top of the push button. To view the code, you need to remove the push button from the lock case, but that is pretty easy to do. Much easier than removing a door panel to view the back side of a door lock. Do you know how to remove the glove lock push button?
GaryComment
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Re: C2 standard lock and key 340HP.
Hello Gary
I think I remember but will not be able to check until the weather is a bit warmer here in NJ. The low heat I have is still to cool to do any work. Any nice break in the weather and I will see how well the brain cells are working. I do not believe I have ever looked for these numbers. Can any of these locks for the car be re-coded to match one or the other keys?
RichComment
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