Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

[Mark E.]

Both sets of keys to my 1970 were lost during a move (and my class ring and wedding band... all on the same tray). Rookie mistake- I should have recorded the key codes and kept the two sets in different places... But what do I do?

I guess I can remove the glove box lock and take it to a locksmith. But what about the ignition/door key? Can a locksmith somehow decipher the key code without removing a lock? Or do I need to remove a door lock? Luckily the doors are unlocked.

Bummed in Texas,

[Edward J.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

Mark, it’s been a lot years seen I recoded locks, but I seem to remember the tumblers were numbered. If so, a locksmith should be able to read the numbers in the order they are removed and cut a set of keys. Even if there not you should be able to match the tumblers as they are removed.

[Tim G.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

Mark, Steve Walker should be able to help you.

[Brian M.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

Any original paperwork with the key #?

[Owen L.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

Do you happen to have the build sheets? (not tank sticker)
On mine, I can read the reverse image of the key codes on them.

[Gary B.]

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

Mark,
The glove box lock cylinder is very easy to remove from the case and the key number is stamped there. Every glove box lock I have seen from the 1940's through the 80's has the number stamped on this cylinder. The primary key is a bit more difficult. As indicated above it is sometimes readable through the door window track but you do not want the cylinder removed from this lock because the stainless faceplate has to be removed and then replaced with service replacement that has tabs to fasten it not a crimp. There is a tool that they say can uncrimp and re-crimp but I have never used it and can't vouch for it. I think that the ignition lock may be easier to remove and get the key number.
The spare tire lock is very hard to open without the key. Having a pro pick the lock may work but I have a locksmith who has done it for me with a small hole in the case and a scope of some sort inserted and the tumblers "read".
I can walk you through the removal of the glove box cylinder removal if you wish. Call me at 248-860-1157.
Some locksmiths also have a set of master keys that allow for the tumbler depths to be read.
Jeff

[Mark E.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

Thanks guys. I'm heartened by all of your posts, PMs and calls.

After taking in your advice, my plan is to look for the door lock key codes stamped on the cylinder. I purchased this car when it was 20 years old and hope the locks are original and stamped.

Steve Walker and Gary Beaupre said I might be able to read the code without removing the door panel by looking down the window slot using a dental mirror and flashlight. Any advice which door is easier to see the code? And what position on the cylinder I should be looking?

The car has power windows but I believe I can hot-wire the PW harness where it plugs into the fuse block to lower the windows with the ignition off.

P.S. This car came with no documentation other than a title. No tank sticker either.

[John D.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

mark
If you can get the number off the door cylinder I can get you the corresponding key code that works for the door and ignition. I have a code book and key cutter i got at a swap meet many years ago. Can also cut a key and happy to throw it in the mail to TX (gratis) as I do have one B46 (J) key blank. I do not have a B47 (K) blank for the glove box.

[Mark E.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

mark
If you can get the number off the door cylinder I can get you the corresponding key code that works for the door and ignition. I have a code book and key cutter i got at a swap meet many years ago. Can also cut a key and happy to throw it in the mail to TX (gratis) as I do have one B46 (J) key blank. I do not have a B47 (K) blank for the glove box.

Thanks John! Stay tuned.

Advice about specifically where (clock position) the key code on the lock cylinder is likely to be is appreciated. I'll be squinting down the window channel using a dental mirror and flashlight.

[Gary B.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970



Gary

IMG_0365.jpg

IMG_0366.jpg

[Mark E.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

Thanks Gary. Is this the situation with C3?

[Gary B.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

Thanks Gary. Is this the situation with C3?

[John D.]

Re: Help! Both sets of keys lost 1970

Some good info here..

http://www.camaros.org/keysandlocks.shtml#codes

[Gary B.]

IMG_0369.jpg

IMG_0374.jpg