Original Key

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May 6, 2022 | 12:07 PM

1powdercoater

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 397

Likes: 33

From: Campton Hills, Illinois

Original Key

I bought my 64 from the original owner about 9 weeks ago. I received 2 keys with the car, both are the same cut. Are either one of these keys an original key? I've read a few threads about keys they all seem to vary as far as how they should look. two pics loaded 1st one is one side of the 2 keys 2nd is the two keys flipped over. Thanks

May 6, 2022 | 12:16 PM

Nowhere Man

Team Owner

Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa

2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

2015 C2 of Year Finalist

Number one is a GM key for sure. I never seen one like number two

May 6, 2022 | 12:55 PM

CorvetteMikeB

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Joined: Dec 2017

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From: Michigan

2023 Restomod of the Year finalist

Boy! Wish I had your worries.

May 6, 2022 | 01:00 PM

jim lockwood

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From: northern california

C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019

If the #1 key were original to the car, the "knock out" area would have a 4 digit key code stamped in it. I don't see that anywhere.

May 6, 2022 | 01:00 PM

Jud Chapin

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From: Wellington, FL

St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25

Quote:

Originally Posted by corvettemikeb

boy! Wish i had your worries.

lmao!

May 6, 2022 | 01:20 PM

jim lockwood

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From: northern california

C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019

Here is what an original key looks like with the key code in the knock out area:

May 6, 2022 | 01:36 PM

56early

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Joined: May 2006

Posts: 567

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From: Long Island NY/ Cape Coral FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim lockwood

Here is what an original key looks like with the key code in the knock out area:

Does the opposite side have the registered trademark (circle R) by the bottom of the b&s logo? I forgot what year that was started. And key #2 is a common ILCO B10 replacement key. ie hardware store locksmith etc.

May 6, 2022 | 01:43 PM

jim lockwood

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From: northern california

C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by 56early

Good question and I don't remember. That's a picture I found on the Internet. I've got a couple of original keys still with their knock outs intact. I'll find them and check.....

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May 6, 2022 | 01:50 PM

bb62

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2004

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jim lockwood

If the #1 key were original to the car, the "knock out" area would have a 4 digit key code stamped in it. I don't see that anywhere.

Jim is correct. My original 67 has both original keys with a code that matches the data on the "copy 7" document. Neither of the OP keys is original.

May 6, 2022 | 02:18 PM

#10

1powdercoater

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 397

Likes: 33

From: Campton Hills, Illinois

Key

Oh well thought I’d ask…. Thanks guys….. Did find a lot of cool stuff in the glovebox though…. Including the receipt given to the buyer fir the purchase…. The bill of sale … most of the paperwork for the new car. Etc.
Its pretty cool to have. Also original title and a Goodyear Blue Streak tire in the spare tire cubby

May 6, 2022 | 02:35 PM

#11

jim lockwood

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From: northern california

C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019

Here are pictures of two original keys:

The dark key on the left is from a '57 Bel Air assembled late in the model year in the Atlanta plant. The lighter key on the right is from a '57 210 assembled earlier in the model year in the Oakland plant. Note that they are not identical.

I am not an expert on keys; I just happen to have these.

For a deep dive on keys, talk to Gary Beaupre over on the NCRS TDB.

May 6, 2022 | 02:54 PM

#12

56early

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Joined: May 2006

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From: Long Island NY/ Cape Coral FL

Jim,
Thank you, This is just for my own notes. I was just curious about when the trademark first made its appearance .
Jim.

May 6, 2022 | 05:11 PM

#13

65wave

Pro

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 510

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From: Southeast, pa.

My original key...

My original key is so worn, I can pull it out and the car will stay on.

May 6, 2022 | 05:28 PM

#14

1powdercoater

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 397

Likes: 33

From: Campton Hills, Illinois

Lol

Yea I bet….those old keys are so short and aren’t defined much I used to be able to start my mothers 69 javelin with a metal nail file

May 6, 2022 | 05:30 PM

#15

DinoBob

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2011

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From: New Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65wave

My original key is so worn, I can pull it out and the car will stay on.

it’s supposed to. That’s how that ignition is designed.

May 6, 2022 | 05:33 PM

#16

DinoBob

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2011

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From: New Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nowhere Man

Number one is a GM key for sure. I never seen one like number two

#2 is an Ilco brand aftermarket copy. #1 is as you said but not original to the car.

I just bought a set of stamp dies and plan to stamp my own NOS key blanks after I get them cut.

May 6, 2022 | 06:44 PM

#17

jim lockwood

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From: northern california

C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65wave

My original key is so worn, I can pull it out and the car will stay on.

That's the way GM ignition switches were engineered in the '50s and on into the early '60s. It's not because of wear.

May 7, 2022 | 03:14 AM

#18

Rich Yanulis

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Joined: Feb 2011

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From: Syracuse, NY and Clearwater, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by 56early

Jim,
Thank you, This is just for my own notes. I was just curious about when the trademark first made its appearance .
Jim.

This is the original key for my February '63 car.
It has a "R" on it.

May 7, 2022 | 04:56 AM

#19

56early

Pro

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 567

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From: Long Island NY/ Cape Coral FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Yanulis

This is the original key for my February '63 car.
It has a "R" on it.

Thank You

May 7, 2022 | 07:30 AM

#20

carl3989

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 1,936

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From: Ridge, ny

USN

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.

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