Original Key
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7,992
Likes: 3,975
From: Cold Harbor, VA
The original key is of no extra value in judging. And likely no extra value to the car in general. When new the keys would not pull out of the ignition in run position. Only in off or lock.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,496
Likes: 475
From: New Jersey
How much having an original key for a Corvette increases the selling price. Is it necessary for example to win top prize at an NCRS judging event? I'm serious in this question so that I may get a handle on the esoterica of old vette restoration and the value of certain parts. I thank you in advance for your comments please.
The keys are judged as part of an NCRS Flight judging. The points are minimal, but easy to get if the keys are right. So a lot of effort goes into it because it’s a relatively cheap investment for points. Guys spend far more to get a few points here and there.
I don’t plan to Flight judge my car- the engine is a non-original engine and not even the right casting- and my chassis, while restored, is not nut-bolt correct. But I do like this kind of ephemera and so the key details are interesting to me. I’m going to get a set of NOS blanks, have them cut, and stamp them myself with a set of number dies I have. Just a fun thing to display with the car. I have an original period-correct plate frame from my selling dealer, a nice reproduction window sticker, an original dealer keychain from the era, and I’ve registered ‘60s original tags to my car. All part of reproducing all of these little details of a ‘60s car which I remember and hold dear. I even had a reproduction DAV/Idento-Tag made for my keychain with the license number, because I LOVED those as a kid.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 608
From: Ridge, ny
USN
LOL. I remember those DAV tags, in NY they were yellow made out of shiny paper with a silver metal frame. Gosh I haven't seen one in ages. Thanks for the memory. (that was a song, wasn't it?) LOL
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,468
Likes: 8,950
From: northern california
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
Are you sure about that? My memory is that my '63's key will come out in either RUN or LOCK, but not OFF. I'm not near it at the moment to confirm, unfortunately.
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 115
From: Long Island NY/ Cape Coral FL
Me too , I have my uncles DAV tag from 65 Black plate 64 Worlds fair with the 65 reg sticker on it . As far as original keys I have no idea about value it's the "Oh yeah check this out" factor. I will take pics of the DAV tag and post as soon as i get my mojo going
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 115
From: Long Island NY/ Cape Coral FL
The key was needed to unlock the Ign switch. When it went to run the key was able to be removed and as long as it was not switched back to the "Lock" position you didn't need the key. It changed in 65
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 115
From: Long Island NY/ Cape Coral FL
I don’t think it has any effect on the value at all. It’s a fun thing to have or reproduce.
The keys are judged as part of an NCRS Flight judging. The points are minimal, but easy to get if the keys are right. So a lot of effort goes into it because it’s a relatively cheap investment for points. Guys spend far more to get a few points here and there.
I don’t plan to Flight judge my car- the engine is a non-original engine and not even the right casting- and my chassis, while restored, is not nut-bolt correct. But I do like this kind of ephemera and so the key details are interesting to me. I’m going to get a set of NOS blanks, have them cut, and stamp them myself with a set of number dies I have. Just a fun thing to display with the car. I have an original period-correct plate frame from my selling dealer, a nice reproduction window sticker, an original dealer keychain from the era, and I’ve registered ‘60s original tags to my car. All part of reproducing all of these little details of a ‘60s car which I remember and hold dear. I even had a reproduction DAV/Idento-Tag made for my keychain with the license number, because I LOVED those as a kid.
The keys are judged as part of an NCRS Flight judging. The points are minimal, but easy to get if the keys are right. So a lot of effort goes into it because it’s a relatively cheap investment for points. Guys spend far more to get a few points here and there.
I don’t plan to Flight judge my car- the engine is a non-original engine and not even the right casting- and my chassis, while restored, is not nut-bolt correct. But I do like this kind of ephemera and so the key details are interesting to me. I’m going to get a set of NOS blanks, have them cut, and stamp them myself with a set of number dies I have. Just a fun thing to display with the car. I have an original period-correct plate frame from my selling dealer, a nice reproduction window sticker, an original dealer keychain from the era, and I’ve registered ‘60s original tags to my car. All part of reproducing all of these little details of a ‘60s car which I remember and hold dear. I even had a reproduction DAV/Idento-Tag made for my keychain with the license number, because I LOVED those as a kid.
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Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 115
From: Long Island NY/ Cape Coral FL
You bought up a nice topic and I meant to compliment you on that. Your two keys posted are not original manufactures keys. The GM key may have been cut by the dealer as spares but not one of the two keys shipped with the car. As far as the code on the invoice , Save that incase you should misplace your keys a new key can be cut from that code.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 569
Likes: 176
From: Allentown PA
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 196
Likes: 36
From: CA
Appearance of registered trademark symbol on GMkeys
My suspicion is that Corvette locksets that were made in very late December of 1962 and didn’t get installed on Corvettes until after 1/1/63 could well have No-R keys. But when I do lock and key work for people I go by the 1/1/63 date for the start of the R keys, and Dec 31 or earlier for the No-R keys.
Gary