keys locked inside 1973 corvette (Help)
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Homosassa Florida
Update: Thanks for the help, I got in (Yeah) I did not have a dip stick handy, but will need to try that, (just in case). But I did get in with The lightly pounding the t tops that "Go Vette Go" suggested, I was able to get in on passenger side, one locked popped right away, the other after a little wiggling and pounding, never would believe that would work. Thanks guys for all the input. Now the fun begins to work on the rest of the bugs, been sitting for 7 years in garage.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 23,419
Likes: 22
From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
To be honest with you I have always been leery of posting this vid on the open forum and sending it to members that are very very new from the standpoint of I could be helping someone steal someones car .
Please don't take offense.
What do you guys that have seen the vid think,am I being too careful ?
Should I post it or keep it to just PMs ?
Please don't take offense.
What do you guys that have seen the vid think,am I being too careful ?
Should I post it or keep it to just PMs ?
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Ok took three locksmith to get into my 73 vette Thank goodness I was starting to think about a hammer or brick. Did not want to go that route because the car is still all original. He gained access through the door handle on the passenger side Was very cool. No one else had tried that Oh yeah, got a spare set made as well
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
To be honest with you I have always been leery of posting this vid on the open forum and sending it to members that are very very new from the standpoint of I could be helping someone steal someones car .
Please don't take offense.
What do you guys that have seen the vid think,am I being too careful ?
Should I post it or keep it to just PMs ?
Please don't take offense.
What do you guys that have seen the vid think,am I being too careful ?
Should I post it or keep it to just PMs ?
"This is a sensitive subject, due to possible Corvette theft.
Expect you not to post this info. & make sure someone has a
Corvette before giving out."
So far this has worked.
No you should not post it. You could send the info. to some members who could share w/ others.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 0
Yeah, don't post it. Could you PM it to me.
I'm wouldn't think 97% of C3s would have whatever plastic part is in there removed. What would NCRS think?
Even after you get a t-top off, still not going to be the easiest to get a door open, climb inside, or get keys out if you have release switch.
I'm wouldn't think 97% of C3s would have whatever plastic part is in there removed. What would NCRS think?
Even after you get a t-top off, still not going to be the easiest to get a door open, climb inside, or get keys out if you have release switch.
Cruising
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Bremerton Washingto
I locked my keys in my '73. Called my insurance (USAA), they sent out a truck (eventually). The owner of the company had to come out because none of his guys would even attempt to gain access. He refused after various attempts with these "air bags" and a flex-rod, for fear of breaking the windows.
Thankfully I had a spare at the house, I hitched a ride and got that. Good to know there are other ways to get in.. well hopefully I don't have to use them!
-Tom
Thankfully I had a spare at the house, I hitched a ride and got that. Good to know there are other ways to get in.. well hopefully I don't have to use them!
-Tom
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
I bought a Firebird 400 conv. that had a new top as someone cut the old top.
Never locked any of my convs. & there was never an indication of anyone in any! I left the stock lock ***** sticking up so it would be obviously unlocked.
Carry spare keys.
Never locked any of my convs. & there was never an indication of anyone in any! I left the stock lock ***** sticking up so it would be obviously unlocked.
Carry spare keys.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
For years we deleted the how to open hood topics. I had figured it out when I bought mine. I have sent many E-Mails & later we had PMs & Mods deleted the topic. My message included:
"This is a sensitive subject, due to possible Corvette theft.
Expect you not to post this info. & make sure someone has a
Corvette before giving out."
So far this has worked.
No you should not post it. You could send the info. to some members who could share w/ others.
"This is a sensitive subject, due to possible Corvette theft.
Expect you not to post this info. & make sure someone has a
Corvette before giving out."
So far this has worked.
No you should not post it. You could send the info. to some members who could share w/ others.
Not posting the "how to open a locked C3 door" video is probably not going to "save" a single C3. Although if posting it would violate a forum rule, then you clearly can't post it...
A video on "how to open a stuck C3 hood" is on Youtube.
As far as opening a locked C3 door, there is at least one Youtube video on how to open a locked car door that will work on a C3 (although it will probably cause damage, but a thief won't care about that). Plus, professional thieves know how to steal a car whether or not the door is locked. Amateur thieves are almost always looking to steal something inside the passenger cabin, not steal the car itself (especially not a vintage car), so they'll just smash the window, grab what they're after, and run.
And no, don't ask me how I know...
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Why help anyone that wants to break into our cars. Youtube might want to check their liability.
Several Moderators agreed & deleted the topics.
Roger is not giving out his info. to just anyone that asks.
Many cars are stolen by 'joy riders'.
I would like to help guys prevent damage rather than help the
.
I have always had cool cars & was interested in the matter (prevention) from an early age...
Several Moderators agreed & deleted the topics.
Roger is not giving out his info. to just anyone that asks.
Many cars are stolen by 'joy riders'.
I would like to help guys prevent damage rather than help the
.I have always had cool cars & was interested in the matter (prevention) from an early age...
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
I have been a locksmith for 30 plus years. All C3 Vettes open the same. Roger has the right approach. I have a specialty tool for the C3 that you use through the handle. Works everytime and it takes less than 30 seconds. Straight piece of thin metal little stronger than dipstick, but a dipstick would work.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
You aren't "saving" any corvettes by locking away this info. Every thief that wants to gain access to the vehicle has it in most any parking area. It is called a rock. Still the fastest and easiest way to get inside of any vehicle.
I don't even lock my car. If they want in they'll do more damage than just leaving the lock unlocked for them. It is why I have insurance
I don't even lock my car. If they want in they'll do more damage than just leaving the lock unlocked for them. It is why I have insurance
