'68 Owners: Door lock key??
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
'68 Owners: Door lock key??
I some how managed to lose BOTH sets of door lock keys and have no way to replace them. One locksmith said he couldn't help, and I have another "working on it". No one sells '68 door locks and keys to my knowledge.
Any ideas??
Any ideas??
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu Hawaii
I was just trying to get keys made for my '68 last week. the original key the owner gave me was the only one and was kinda worn down, A locksmith did manage to make a key that worked, But he had mentioned that he could also have the lock re-keyed but it would cost alot... So I'm guessing a compitent locksmith could have it done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,157
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FLA
Cory,
I don't know if this is true, but I have read that the lock mechanism itself has a number on it. That number is supposed to be a GM key code. The only catch is , you have to take the the lock mechanism out of the door to be able to see it. A locksmith should be able to make the right key with this code.
Bryan
I don't know if this is true, but I have read that the lock mechanism itself has a number on it. That number is supposed to be a GM key code. The only catch is , you have to take the the lock mechanism out of the door to be able to see it. A locksmith should be able to make the right key with this code.
Bryan
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Originally Posted by 68rdstr
Cory,
I don't know if this is true, but I have read that the lock mechanism itself has a number on it. That number is supposed to be a GM key code. The only catch is , you have to take the the lock mechanism out of the door to be able to see it. A locksmith should be able to make the right key with this code.
Bryan
I don't know if this is true, but I have read that the lock mechanism itself has a number on it. That number is supposed to be a GM key code. The only catch is , you have to take the the lock mechanism out of the door to be able to see it. A locksmith should be able to make the right key with this code.
Bryan
Yeah I have the lock out and I saw that number. I took it to a friend and if anyone can get a key made it will be him. I'll keep you guys posted.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: VetteMOD
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
A Chevy dealer should still have a 1968 code book that will tell you the tumbler settings from your serial number. A dealer that has been around for a while will have a key notcher. Take your registration to the dealer with you. One would hope that they will ask you for it.
Also, if you want to replace your lock cylinders, do a search in the archives for a post started by "Wesch". About 6 months ago he did a post that described the procedure for converting 69-up locks to 68.
Also, if you want to replace your lock cylinders, do a search in the archives for a post started by "Wesch". About 6 months ago he did a post that described the procedure for converting 69-up locks to 68.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
I did this in january. None of my keys locked the damn car so I removed both locking mech and brought it to an average locksmith. He had new keys made to fit the locks in a half-day.
Supposedly there are rings of keys that fit every make/model car that locksmiths have access, but I would imagine that would require them to have a warehouse full of car keys. Much easier just to have the guy match the lock with a new key. Cost me about $7 for a new set, I also got two spare sets just in case.
Supposedly there are rings of keys that fit every make/model car that locksmiths have access, but I would imagine that would require them to have a warehouse full of car keys. Much easier just to have the guy match the lock with a new key. Cost me about $7 for a new set, I also got two spare sets just in case.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
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From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
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Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wash.
Corey,
I am a former locksmith and I can tell you a couple of things about these door locks. If the locks are original to the car, there is a code stamped on the lock casing. A reputable locksmith can either clip or cut you a new key from this code. If the locks are not original to the car, they *may* still have the code. There are many companies that reproduce these locks, most do not have a code on the side of the case. In that situation, again, a reputable locksmith can disassemble the lock and make a key from scratch... I know, I did PLENTY of them. The cost to do this could be upwards of $20.00. If you can have the key cut by using a code, it can be done for under $20.00, in most cases. It sounds like the locksmith you contacted either doesn't have the skills or isn't interested in assisting you. I would never do business with that person. The work is not the complicated or hard. I hope this helps. BTW, I got a '68 too!
Good luck,
Tony
I am a former locksmith and I can tell you a couple of things about these door locks. If the locks are original to the car, there is a code stamped on the lock casing. A reputable locksmith can either clip or cut you a new key from this code. If the locks are not original to the car, they *may* still have the code. There are many companies that reproduce these locks, most do not have a code on the side of the case. In that situation, again, a reputable locksmith can disassemble the lock and make a key from scratch... I know, I did PLENTY of them. The cost to do this could be upwards of $20.00. If you can have the key cut by using a code, it can be done for under $20.00, in most cases. It sounds like the locksmith you contacted either doesn't have the skills or isn't interested in assisting you. I would never do business with that person. The work is not the complicated or hard. I hope this helps. BTW, I got a '68 too!
Good luck,
Tony
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Originally Posted by Corey_68
Appreciate your help guys, I gave my friend the number on the lock last night and he just called and said to come pick up my two keys.
Thanks again
Thanks again
Hope the work. In 38 years, the tumblers could have been changed, and the code on the cylinder won't match the notches in the keys.
Been there, done that.
Chuck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Originally Posted by 427-390
Corey,
There are many companies that reproduce these locks BTW, I got a '68 too!
Good luck,
Tony
There are many companies that reproduce these locks BTW, I got a '68 too!
Good luck,
Tony
Seriously if you know of any please share
Rick
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 832
Likes: 1
From: Breckenridge Colorado
Originally Posted by gq82
Corey 68, if you keys work let me know and I might try getting my locks out to get to the cylinder code.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Originally Posted by MartyW
I have 68 doors and locks on my 76 and have no keys as well. I tried the link above many times and get errors each time. Will try again later.
Corey 68, if you keys work let me know and I might try getting my locks out to get to the cylinder code.
Corey 68, if you keys work let me know and I might try getting my locks out to get to the cylinder code.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 832
Likes: 1
From: Breckenridge Colorado
Originally Posted by gq82
Link works for me....here's his tel number 330-376-8181
I too have not been able to find 68 door locks so if someone has a link to where they can be purchased I would apprecaite it. I have seen some on Ebay but they usually are missing the key which is what I already got.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Original selling dealer,,,,,MAYBE
Originally Posted by BBShark
A Chevy dealer should still have a 1968 code book that will tell you the tumbler settings from your serial number. A dealer that has been around for a while will have a key notcher. Take your registration to the dealer with you. One would hope that they will ask you for it.
Also, if you want to replace your lock cylinders, do a search in the archives for a post started by "Wesch". About 6 months ago he did a post that described the procedure for converting 69-up locks to 68.
Also, if you want to replace your lock cylinders, do a search in the archives for a post started by "Wesch". About 6 months ago he did a post that described the procedure for converting 69-up locks to 68.
Last edited by moosie982; Aug 16, 2006 at 03:38 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Originally Posted by MartyW
I too have not been able to find 68 door locks so if someone has a link to where they can be purchased I would apprecaite it. I have seen some on Ebay but they usually are missing the key which is what I already got.
Buy the ones on EBAY if/when you find them. Any locksmith can make you a key. They can also change the tumblers inside to make it work with your existing key. Chuck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Well, I've never done it, but I have heard for a missing key, you can:
Start with a key blank. Dip it and coat with a thin layer of candle wax.
gently insert the blank into your lock and turn the blank to push against
the tumblers. Gently remove the blank and observe the marks left in the wax.
From there, you can grind/file the blank to fit the tumbler pattern in the wax.
Has anyone actually EVER done this ? Does it work, or am I spankin' it ?
Start with a key blank. Dip it and coat with a thin layer of candle wax.
gently insert the blank into your lock and turn the blank to push against
the tumblers. Gently remove the blank and observe the marks left in the wax.
From there, you can grind/file the blank to fit the tumbler pattern in the wax.
Has anyone actually EVER done this ? Does it work, or am I spankin' it ?
