Locks on 69 Vette
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
Locks on 69 Vette
I have a 69 Vette that has a key for the ignition and a separate key for the doors. I am assuming that is because someone had to replace the ignition switch at some point. I am painting the car now and have the door cylinders out. I figured that I could have them re-keyed to the ignition pattern by a locksmith, but I tried the ignition key in the door cylinders and it doesn't fit. It only runs about half way in. On careful examination, the single narrow groove on the right side of the ignition key is about 1/64" narrower than the one on the door key. My first thought was to replace all three with a matched set, but I understand that replacing the ignition switch is a b**ch. Any suggestions or experiences would be greatly apprectiated.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: NC
My 69
My 69 (Aug of '69 production) does use the same key for the ignition and doors (square key). My round key is for the storage compartment behind the seats and for the spare tire lock.
My understanding is that the aforementioned setup is correct for a late production '69, but there may be some differences in the earlier production runs of which I am not aware.
My understanding is that the aforementioned setup is correct for a late production '69, but there may be some differences in the earlier production runs of which I am not aware.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
My 69 (Aug of '69 production) does use the same key for the ignition and doors (square key). My round key is for the storage compartment behind the seats and for the spare tire lock.
My understanding is that the aforementioned setup is correct for a late production '69, but there may be some differences in the earlier production runs of which I am not aware.
My understanding is that the aforementioned setup is correct for a late production '69, but there may be some differences in the earlier production runs of which I am not aware.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
the ignition and door key should be the same ( square ) and then the rear compartments and the optional alarm, if you have it, are the round key. That's how they came. To change the ignition switch is not really that difficult. I did it myslef and I am no expert! Very novice. Wheel puller is the only special tool needed, well that and Jim Shea's breakdown diagrams and stuff! But I'd leave it alone if it was me. If you are finiky about it, which is fine, take the locks off when you repaint the car and order a new switch and lock set that match. Install the new stuff when you get your car back from the paint shop in a few months.... 
best of luck,
Sully
best of luck,
Sully
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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Mine has a round key for the door, and a square key for the ignition. Seems like every other GM car up until the 90s was like that.
