Missing Keys

[Jef S.]

My 64 project followed me home with no keys. What is the best way to deal with this? No ignition key no glove box key no spare tire key. Replace them all with a new reproduction matching set? Or what? I replaced all the locks on my 1960 and it worked out well but the iginition switch had already been changed on it so it made everything easy but all the locks and switches on my 64 are original.

[Edward J.]

Re: Missing Keys

Jef , I think the best thing to do is to remove one of the door lock cylinders and give it to a lock smith he should be able to read the tumblers. without the key I don't think you be able to remove the ing. lock or glove box cylinders.There is also a number stamped on the outside of lock cylinder housing that if someone has a gm book that can cross ref. that number for the key code.

[Steven B.]

Re: Missing Keys

Jef, try Jessers Classic Keys, 330-376-8181, www.jessersclassickeys.com.

Steve

[Russ S.]

Re: Missing Keys

Jef, try Jessers Classic Keys, 330-376-8181, www.jessersclassickeys.com.

Steve

Jessers is out of this world high on prices. Check with Peter Lindahl or Gary Beupre

[Mike M.]

Re: Missing Keys

i've used pat kraus for overr 30 years. excellent, friendly, rasonable and timely repairs.mike

[Harry S.]

Re: Missing Keys

I agree with Mike.

[Peter L.]

Re: Missing Keys

Jef - Being that it's a 64 all the locks should be keyed alike, so assuming the glovebox lock is unlocked, remove the GB lock assembly and then remove the GB lock cylinder from the case and if it's the original GB lock cylinder the KEY NUMBER should be stamped on the side or the top at the end.

With the KEY NUMBER, a Locksmith should be able to cut you a key.

If you need instruction on removing the GB lock cylinder from the GB lock case let me know and I'll send you my "never failed so far" instructions that have been used successfully by fellow NCRS members.

Have fun. Pete

[Norm B.]

Re: Missing Keys

I think the car is unsalvageable now so let me know where you are and I will come and haul it away for you.

Seriously, since you say it is a project does that mean the spare tire lock is not in place and maybe sitting on a bench or in a box? If that is the case take it to any reputable locksmith and they should be able to cut you new keys to code. Saves you the effort of having to remove any of the other locks.

[Ray G.]

Re: Missing Keys

My 64 project followed me home with no keys. What is the best way to deal with this? No ignition key no glove box key no spare tire key. Replace them all with a new reproduction matching set? Or what? I replaced all the locks on my 1960 and it worked out well but the iginition switch had already been changed on it so it made everything easy but all the locks and switches on my 64 are original.

Hello Jeff;
One more thing to add to the above advice. Make sure all the locks have the same key & code. Usually one or two of the locks have been changed sometime in your Corvettes' life.
Good luck and have fun as Pete stated.
Ray

[Dan M.]

Re: Missing Keys

One more vote for Pete Lindahl. He helped me get replacement keys for the compartment behind the seats. Worth the cost and Pete does fine work.

[Peter L.]

Re: Missing Keys

It's worth noting that while all the locks on the 63-64 mid-years original were designed to operate with the single key that both the ignition and door locks have 6 tumblers and therefore use all 6 of the cuts on the key; while the spare tire locks have 5 tumblers and use the 5 cuts on the key shaft going back from the key shaft point, and the glove box locks have 4 tumblers and use the 4 cuts on the key shaft going back from the key shaft point. So, a key cut from the tumblers of spare tire lock or the glovebox lock, might not operate the ignition or door locks because either the key shaft cut closest to the key head has not been identified in the case of the spare tire lock or the 2 key shaft cuts closest to the key head have not been identified in the case of the glove box lock where the tumblers on those locks are used. Pete

[Jef S.]

Re: Missing Keys

okay Peter I give!! How do you get the GB cylinder out of the sleeve.

[Jef S.]

Re: Missing Keys

So then the best way to go would be to remove a door lock and take that to a locksmith right. As the body is on a dolly and the interior is stripped down that is probably the way to go. Right?

[Gary B.]

Re: Missing Keys

So then the best way to go would be to remove a door lock and take that to a locksmith right. As the body is on a dolly and the interior is stripped down that is probably the way to go. Right?

Jef,

Yes. Remove a door lock and hope that it hasn't been messed with. If original, it will have the 4-digit key code stamped into the outside of the case. Also check to see if the stainless steel face cap (bezel) has the original 360 degree crimp on the back side, as opposed to the 4 tabs that indicate a replacement face cap suggesting the internals have been worked on and perhaps changed.

Gary

[Peter L.]

Re: Missing Keys

Jef - Check your E-mail. Pete