keys locked inside 1973 corvette (Help)
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
I did this about 15 years ago in my '71 convertible (yes, I had put the top up). A locksmith spent an hour trying to open it. A cop drove by and gave it a try, no luck. Finally the locksmith called some Houdini who had all of these long wiry tools with hooks. He pulled it from the passenger side, out of the ignition and through the window.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
I'd go for t-top but use a long flat piece of metal or coat hanger to reduce damage to weather stripping. Use a triangular shaped object to squeeze into weather stripping and give your self more room to work the tool.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Mobile Alabama
Mine was done this way also, be very careful on the window because mine has a chip missing, little more it could have gone plewy.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: San Marcos Ca
I called aaa guy came out and slimjimd driver door with me watching the lock **** for movement. That took him 5 mins. Previously he spent 20 mins trying other types of entry with no luck. No charge with my aaa membership. Good luck with that
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Usually takes me 15 to 45 seconds with an oil dipstck through the door handle to open most C3s.
I've opened many at car shows,wish I had a camera to record the look on the face of the car owner.
I've opened many at car shows,wish I had a camera to record the look on the face of the car owner.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 16
From: Fl
I'm impressed.....
never thought about putting a dipstick in through that small hinged area....
The plastic (anti theft) cover is pretty thin - so I believe a really hot dipstick could melt through it.
This is a very creative way to get into the car......
97% of the C3 have that cover removed - nobody ever put them back in if they were removed for any reeason.
never thought about putting a dipstick in through that small hinged area....
The plastic (anti theft) cover is pretty thin - so I believe a really hot dipstick could melt through it.
This is a very creative way to get into the car......
97% of the C3 have that cover removed - nobody ever put them back in if they were removed for any reeason.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I'm impressed.....
never thought about putting a dipstick in through that small hinged area....
The plastic (anti theft) cover is pretty thin - so I believe a really hot dipstick could melt through it.
This is a very creative way to get into the car......
97% of the C3 have that cover removed - nobody ever put them back in if they were removed for any reeason.
never thought about putting a dipstick in through that small hinged area....
The plastic (anti theft) cover is pretty thin - so I believe a really hot dipstick could melt through it.
This is a very creative way to get into the car......
97% of the C3 have that cover removed - nobody ever put them back in if they were removed for any reeason.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
I locked my keys in my 76 when a bunch of us stopped to eat after a car show. Half way thru dinner I realized I didn't have my keys. I had read a thread here where a member said to lightly pound on the T-Tops around the locks. One of the locks pops open on the passenger side - I was inside in seconds. I think this will work on 77 & earlier T-Tops that are not adjusted too tight.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Homosassa Florida
Thanks guys,I will try this in a few, I just bought the car and guy only had 1 set of keys,(second set was not on my mind to make at time) Parked the car got out locked door left keys in ignition, my other car has keyless pad on door, guess my mind was not thinking. I do have AAA but just did not want to damage door or lock mech inside if they sent a newbee. I have slim jim but no luck, windows are sealed pretty tight. not sure if plastic (anti theft) is still in place. car has 40,000 orig miles same owner 35 years. Thanks for all your help, I will post later on results.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
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 ?