Key Question

[Joseph K.]

I received a set of keys for my 69 and they are punched with the correct letters E and H. The question I have is that each key has an area at the top of the key that has an area that says "punch out" and it has some letters and numbers in it also. Can/should this area be punched out for judging? currently the area has a hole in it that is to small for the key chain.

thanks Joe

[Jim T.]

Re: Key Question

I received a set of keys for my 69 and they are punched with the correct letters E and H. The question I have is that each key has an area at the top of the key that has an area that says "punch out" and it has some letters and numbers in it also. Can/should this area be punched out for judging? currently the area has a hole in it that is to small for the key chain.

thanks Joe

Joe the "punch out" letters and numbers are your key identification and what a key maker would use to make you a new key. Some new car dealerships would remove these and have a small GM envelope to put this part of your key in. If your keys were lost, they could be used to get a new key.
In 1968 the Corvette Owners Card was given to new owners with their name, VIN number and the ignition key number imprinted on a plastic credit card shaped card. Do not know if the ignition key number continued on the Corvette Owners Card for the 1969 model year. The Corvette Owner Card for 1970 Corvette new car buyers only had their name and the VIN, no ignition key number.
Folding key holders of this era usually had small enough hooks to attach a key with the "knock out" left in the key. Folding key holders also were more gentle on paint surrounding the ignition.

[Joe L.]

Re: Key Question

I received a set of keys for my 69 and they are punched with the correct letters E and H. The question I have is that each key has an area at the top of the key that has an area that says "punch out" and it has some letters and numbers in it also. Can/should this area be punched out for judging? currently the area has a hole in it that is to small for the key chain.

thanks Joe

Joe-----

The cars were shipped from St. Louis with the "punch outs" intact. So, that's what you want to have for judging purposes.

Yes, the hole in the "punch out" is quite small and not really suitable for use with a typical key chain. So, for day-to-day use you use keys with the "punch outs" removed. For judging you use a set of keys with the "punch outs" stamped with the key code intact.

[Reba W.]

Re: Key Question

Most interior judges will accept the knock-outs either intact or shown separately on the ring. They are judged separately from the keys are worth a total of four points.

[Tom H.]

Re: Key Question

Hey Joe.

A little bit off the subject, but this is the tool we used to remove the key knock outs with during dealer prep. Set the key in the device and it knocks it right out !

[Terry M.]

Re: Key Question

Hey Joe.

A little bit off the subject, but this is the tool we used to remove the key knock outs with during dealer prep. Set the key in the device and it knocks it right out !

That is a Kent Moore tool with a J-xxxx number. Can you give us the number Tom so we can all watch for on on EvilBay?

[Tom H.]

Re: Key Question

Here ya go friends ! Original. Not a restamp.

[Brian M.]

Re: Key Question

Every day I leard something new, Can't wait for tomorrow. I've never seen that tool before.

Hey Joe.

A little bit off the subject, but this is the tool we used to remove the key knock outs with during dealer prep. Set the key in the device and it knocks it right out !

[Joseph K.]

Re: Key Question

Thanks gentlemen,

The info was informative and a big help.

Joe

[Joseph K.]

Re: Key Question

Joe the "punch out" letters and numbers are your key identification and what a key maker would use to make you a new key. Some new car dealerships would remove these and have a small GM envelope to put this part of your key in. If your keys were lost, they could be used to get a new key.
In 1968 the Corvette Owners Card was given to new owners with their name, VIN number and the ignition key number imprinted on a plastic credit card shaped card. Do not know if the ignition key number continued on the Corvette Owners Card for the 1969 model year. The Corvette Owner Card for 1970 Corvette new car buyers only had their name and the VIN, no ignition key number.
Folding key holders of this era usually had small enough hooks to attach a key with the "knock out" left in the key. Folding key holders also were more gentle on paint surrounding the ignition.

Jim,

Funny you should mention the folding key holder. I found one last night that was in perfect shape(never used) in my fathers old desk. It was bright red with gold trim on the folded leather and it had the dealership's name and the phone number was..... 222 (how many of you remember when the there as only three numbers?). I tried to put the pin through the key holes but it was slightly to large.

Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: Key Question

Here ya go friends ! Original. Not a restamp.

Tom and Terry-----


Apparently, this is not a Kent-Moore tool as that's not a Kent-Moore number. GM used another supplier. It's possible they even provided this tool to dealerships without charge.

I am wrong with respect to the above. The number IS a Kent-Moore number.

[Tom H.]

Re: Key Question

Tom and Terry-----


It's possible they even provided this tool to dealerships without charge.

Never seen anything that was provided to the dealership for free.

[Terry M.]

Re: Key Question

Never seen anything that was provided to the dealership for free.

You read my mind, but you would know better then I.

[Terry M.]

Re: Key Question

Tom and Terry-----


Apparently, this is not a Kent-Moore tool as that's not a Kent-Moore number. GM used another supplier. It's possible they even provided this tool to dealerships without charge.

I just assUmed it would be KM, but Burroughs supplied a lot of the office stuff, and B&S the lock stuff, and then there is Reynolds & Reynolds. Back in the day they spread the wealth.