Where's my key?

[richross]

Theoretically, (because this would never happen to me! :ugh), which is better if one were to loose their door/glove box key:

1. Buy a whole new set of locks (2 doors, 1 glove box, and 1 storage compartment)
OR
2. Find a really schnazzy locksmith who can take an imprint off the glove box lock and refashion a new key?

Is it possible to make a new door key off the glove box?!

 

[chevy6673]

i know i guy who works at a lock smith ,,when i got my vette it was missing the key to the spear tire lock he made a key for it , you just have to find the right guy he also has a vette

 

[richross]

Forgot all about the spare tire lock... Is that a seperate key from the other two (ignition and door lock?). I talked to a local lock smith- they said they could get "most" of the key figured out from the glove box and then try it on the door locks. All this for about $35 and still no guarantee short of pulling the locks.

 

[chevy6673]

Forgot all about the spare tire lock... Is that a seperate key from the other two (ignition and door lock?). I talked to a local lock smith- they said they could get "most" of the key figured out from the glove box and then try it on the door locks. All this for about $35 and still no guarantee short of pulling the locks.

yes my spare tire lock is seperate ..

 

[LVMYVT76]

My tire key, door lock key and alarm key are the same. I think thats the way the factory had them.

 

[Tritium007]

T-Top locks?

 

[LVMYVT76]

no t-top locks on a 76, if you were asking me that question.

 

[richross]

I've just heard that there are codes on the glove box lock that the locksmith(s) should be able to use to cut a legit key for all the locks on the vehicle... This tells me all locking locks (ha) on the car should be unlockable/lockable by one key.
Has anyone else heard of this idea regarding the code on the glovebox lock? Sounds too good to be true; but I'm gonna give 'er a try for sure!

 

[red70vette]

You can remove the glove box lock and take it to a locksmith. He will take the code off the lock and make as many keys as you like. See if it also opens the door. Unfortunately that won't help you with the ignition. Earlier models used the same key for the door and the ignition(like my 70) on later models the glove box key opebed the door also. I don't know which applies to your car. All the locks have a key code on them which can be used to make duplicate keys. If you need to have the ignition removed to get to this code it is going to be more than $35. It would be cheaper if the door and the ignition where the same.

If your new key doesn't open the door you can remove the door lock and bring it to the locksmith for new keys that will fit the door and ignition. What you want to aviod is a house call as locksmiths usually charge by the minute from door to door so it can be expensive if you don't get a flat rate.

 

[richross]

Thanks Red!
-PC

UPDATE:

For those of you who have lost your door key (at least on a 1978 Vette) you will have to do no less than REMOVE the lock from a door (acutally, gmjunkie's got a trick to make new keys, but I lack the skill!). It's either that or take the car to a locksmith who'll charge you a pretty penny to pull the lock themselves; for me, I'd rather do the work myself and trust the panels and such are handled correctly. There are some great threads on this forum that will help you accomplish this, from panel pull to lock removal and back again.
The problem with trying to use the glove box locks on a '78 is that they only have 4 of the 6 wafers (or tumblers) that the door key needs to fully engage and unlock your door. Therefore, the glove box lock will not work as a template for the doors. I looked and looked and found no codes on the locks themselves. I ended up removing the glove box lock and, then the rear compartment lock, and lastly the door lock (which is all the locksmith needed). Some earlier Vettes probably have the codes printed on the glove box locks, but not on my '78.
The trickiest parts of the removal were removing the remote side mirror control toggle (small allen set screw), and the various tools/parts that attempt to go AWOL to the dark unkown of the bottom of your door frame. Strategically stuffing an old rag below your work space in the door will prevent alot of wasted time fishing out lost bits and pieces. Also, a couple long needle nose pliers or some hemostats are super helpful- unless you have the hands of a racoon.
I was happy to pull the driver's side lock as I had to make an adjustment to an hornery door handle anyway. Good Luck!
Rich

 

[Curtis]

hands like a racoon.. never heard it put that way before.. thanks for making me laugh...

 

[Curtis]

OMG !!!!! now i have this picture in my head of a raccoon overhauling the door on my vette. it won't go away.. Do I need therapy now ???? maybe i just grab a beer.. aaaaaah, the simple things in life that make you smile.

 

[richross]

OMG !!!!! now i have this picture in my head of a raccoon overhauling the door on my vette. it won't go away.. Do I need therapy now ???? maybe i just grab a beer.. aaaaaah, the simple things in life that make you smile.

Geez, I'd love to have some racoons overhaul my whole Vette- as long as they did a good job and didn't traipse all over the paint! :eyerole