70 with Round head "H" glove box + spare tire key

[Steven G.]

I know that 1970 should have a " K" glove box and spare tire lock key. I have an "H" with round head, no knock out type, just a small hole for key ring (KEIL) charlestown N.H. usa. This key works comp. lock and spare tire lock perfectly, (has been with car for 33 known years). The ign., + door key is a square head "J" (GM) with knock out removed, that seems correct. Both keys have wear and appear to be made from same type of metal with matching surface worn appearance. Is it possible that the "H" was an original or do I get a correct "k" key and toss it? Steve

[Don L.]

Re: 70 with Round head "H" glove box + spare tire key

Steven - I'm afraid (I think) the "H" key is a service replacement. I'm not sure as to which oval blank '70's use without looking @ my JG, however, I believe you'd also have to replace the locks to have the correct key. This becomes much more involved (and expensive) than just changing from an "H" key to a "K" key.

Let's see what others think.

[Peter L.]

Re: 70 with Round head "H" glove box + spare tire key

Steve - I would not expect a 1970 to have come originally with an "oval" head "H" key. Unfortunately, the change to the "K" "oval" head key is not just a key change because the "H" key and the "K" key correspond to two different keyways for the locks/keys; and the original locks are key & keyway specific so the "H" key will only go into a "H" keyway lock and not go into a "K" keyway lock; etc. Please note that there are "universal" keyway locks available that will accept any "letter" keys but will only operate in the lock if the key is cut correctly for the lock's tumblers. If you wanted to return the car to having the "K" key as original you would need to the find "K" keyway compartment and spare tire locks or you could find compartment and spare tire locks with "universal" keyways and have a "K" key cut to operate the locks; but if you are going to go thru that you might just leave it as is since it sounds like functionally it's fine.

But, if you are planning to have the car judged, you'll want to find the "K" keyway specific compartment and spare tire locks and then key them alike

Pete

[Steven G.]

Re: 70 with Round head "H" glove box + spare tire key

Pete, Thanks for your input, the keys deductions on this are not too bad, I know deductions will add up eventually, but this is just another thing to work on. Steve