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Ignition key problem HELP

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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 03:47 PM
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Default Ignition key problem HELP

Hey Guys I need your help again.

I’m restoring this 1966 BB trying to get it judged this spring .
My problem is the key come out in all positions and I see they
Check this in operations section.
In reading the owners manual & Judging Manual the key is designed
to remain locked in the ignition.
I’m really not wanting to buy all new locks sets ignition, doors, glove box, tire carrier.
Any ideas if it’s repairable?
I have the ignition core out and have a # 8798 I’m assuming this is the
Cut of the key.
I called our local lock Smith they said they don’t work on any old classics. Thinking of soaking it in thinner or parts cleaner
Hoping that the old grease is dried up..
Anyone ran into this or know the fix , or ideas ? Thanks Guys
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 04:12 PM
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there are a few people who restore locks
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Rubc555
Hey Guys I need your help again.

I’m restoring this 1966 BB trying to get it judged this spring .
My problem is the key come out in all positions and I see they
Check this in operations section.
In reading the owners manual & Judging Manual the key is designed
to remain locked in the ignition.
I’m really not wanting to buy all new locks sets ignition, doors, glove box, tire carrier.
Any ideas if it’s repairable?
I have the ignition core out and have a # 8798 I’m assuming this is the
Cut of the key.
I called our local lock Smith they said they don’t work on any old classics. Thinking of soaking it in thinner or parts cleaner
Hoping that the old grease is dried up..
Anyone ran into this or know the fix , or ideas ? Thanks Guys
The fix would be to forget about having the car judged.

Just kidding, I also have a 66 and the key pulls right out with the car running. Never tried in ACC. I thought that's how they were back then.

Edit: Here is a relevant thread:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-position.html


Gerry

Last edited by Mossy66; Apr 1, 2018 at 04:31 PM.
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 04:30 PM
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Get a new ignition switch and have it rekeyed to your original key...
I did that with a spare tire tub lock - cost me $9 and about 10 minutes at the lock smith shop...
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 05:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
Get a new ignition switch and have it rekeyed to your original key...
I did that with a spare tire tub lock - cost me $9 and about 10 minutes at the lock smith shop...
Our local lock smith really wasent much help..
so I buy the new ignition switch and the locksmith has the capability to
Make it work with no other parts ?
I will call another locksmith before I order a new switch ..
Hey Thanks for the info will see what they say.. Happy Easter My Friend.
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 05:53 PM
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Get a new key cut. Maybe your key is too worn down. At least you'll know if it's the key or the lock. A key is a lot cheaper than a lock.
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by ejboyd5
Great idea if you have an original unworn key to duplicate. otherwise you are just copying the problem.
A good lock smith can use the code on the cylinder
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 06:50 PM
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I thought about that but unfortunately I only have one key I’m talking to Peter – I have sent him photos so maybe he can restore the ignition.
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 06:52 PM
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Hope so just need to make some calls and find one here in Omaha..
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 06:54 PM
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A long shot would be a GM dealer that been around a long time and still has the old key stuff
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 06:56 PM
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And I once had a ring with about 12 keys on it that would activate any GM product of the late '50s-early '60s. Locks of the era were not very sensitive. Forget about points deduction and enjoy the ride.
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 07:03 PM
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Thanks I will count on that.. Mainly I want the car to work just as it did when he rolled
Off the line..
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 10:05 PM
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I had new keys cut from the code on my cylinder
I got nos keys with the code stamped on the knockout
Cant remember the name,, but somebody on the forum must know him
I will look at my old invoices tomorrow and let you know
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 10:16 PM
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I can't remember how they were back when they were new, but I've owned many since and all the 65, 66's keys pulled out in run. My current 65 has pretty new lock and key, and it pulls out easily with the engine running.

Last edited by 65GGvert; Apr 1, 2018 at 10:17 PM.
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 10:23 PM
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I guess they wear out from what I have read. Look in your owners manual page 5 or 6.
Let me know what yours says ..
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 10:30 PM
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Key did not come out of cylinder in Run position when new. Pete Lindahl in NM can repair your original cylinder and provide replacement original key(s) with stamped knock-outs. Gary Beaupre in No. CAL can as well.
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 10:48 PM
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Hey Thanks
I’m in contact with Peter sent him some pics waiting to hear back.
Guess it’s pretty common and some owner think that’s just how it was.
Owners manual clearly states it. Along with the Judging guide manual.
Not a big deal but something that will eat at me till I get it working correctly.
Heck cars 52 years old. Last thing left to sort out on the operations side.
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 07:07 PM
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Cylinder number # 8798 corresponds to key code 434554 which is the depth of each of the cuts in the key. This is the tool needed to cut the key. The key on my 67 was a son of many previous keys and had to be wiggled and pushed down a certain way to work. When I cut a new key it worked perfectly and did not pull out.



Last edited by John BX NY; Apr 2, 2018 at 07:11 PM.
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 07:16 PM
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I took the core and a new blank key into the locksmith today and had them cut a new key
Thinking this is a place to start got back and installed it with my fingers crossed
But this didn’t help. So I’ve ordered a new core and will see about having the Locksmith
Re-key it to my existing only key..
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 07:24 PM
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Both of these keys are for my '63. The top one came with the car. Worn and copy of a copy, etc. Works fine but comes out of ignition switch.

The one on the bottom was recently made using the code. Again works good but stays in the ignition.


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