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Old Jul 4, 2012 | 01:18 PM
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Default Locked out...

After recently purchasing my 71 I noticed I was unable to get access to the middle compartment in the back. It is locked and neither my ignition key or the "gas" key fits.
Am I missing a key or what key typically unlocks it?
Any ideas?
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Old Jul 4, 2012 | 02:24 PM
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the ignition key has a square head and there should be a second key with an oval head for the box you are describing that also fits the spare tire lock. Have you checked for the lock on your spare?
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Old Jul 4, 2012 | 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by MelWff
the ignition key has a square head and there should be a second key with an oval head for the box you are describing that also fits the spare tire lock. Have you checked for the lock on your spare?
I don't have a GM square key, it's a long chrysler style old looking key that starts the car. I don't have the an oval head key (I remember these from when I was a kid, square: ignition, oval: trunk).

Will check the spare situation.
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Old Jul 4, 2012 | 05:58 PM
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If it only opens the storage and the spare tire they may have hidden it in the car somewhere. I found my spare gas cap key in the map pocket on my '74. That was after going to a couple hardware stores and a locksmith trying to get one made. Nobody had a blank for it.
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Old Jul 4, 2012 | 07:29 PM
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Square head key is for the doors and ignition. Oval head key is for the center console lock, spare tire carrier lock and vehicle alarm system if equipped......72's alarm was standard equipment.

Last edited by gq82; Jul 5, 2012 at 11:24 PM.
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Old Jul 4, 2012 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by 72and86
After recently purchasing my 71 I noticed I was unable to get access to the middle compartment in the back. It is locked and neither my ignition key or the "gas" key fits.
Am I missing a key or what key typically unlocks it?
Any ideas?
Contact the previous owner and ask if there was another key. Unless they have changed the square and oval keys were as previously mentioned and pictured.
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 12:04 AM
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I will look around some more and contact the PO, but I think he gave me everything he could find...
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 08:13 AM
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I've never tried but you might be able to push in the lock from either the battery box or jack box. See if you can find some pics of the lock installed in the frame to give you an idea on how to get to it.
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by ...Roger...
See if you can find some pics of the lock installed in the frame to give you an idea on how to get to it.
Could u explain that a little better?
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 11:30 AM
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I think he means you might be able to pop open the center box by approaching it from one of the two side boxes. Have you checked whether your spare has a lock?
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by MelWff
I think he means you might be able to pop open the center box by approaching it from one of the two side boxes. Have you checked whether your spare has a lock?
That's exactly what I mean,thanks MelWff.
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 03:58 PM
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Originally Posted by ...Roger...
...I've never tried but you might be able to push in the lock from either the battery box or jack box...
Glove box cardboard will be in the way, but only clips to the underside of the rear compartment frame.
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Glove box cardboard will be in the way, but only clips to the underside of the rear compartment frame.
Ok yeah, how does the compartment frame come off?
(No extra keys in map pockets or under seat...)
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 72and86
Ok yeah, how does the compartment frame come off?
(No extra keys in map pockets or under seat...)
First you open the door and remove the screws that are inside......
Mooser
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 06:26 PM
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But seriously

There should be a cardboard type liner inside the center compartment.
I'm pretty sure at the front (around where the latch is) there is a cut-away (there is on the re-pops)


As explained above

With much cursing and many cuts to the hand you may be able to reach in from the jack-storage side (please make sure the liner isn't there) and depress the lock plunger with a finger.
That being said, the plunger only latches to a thing little plate, and doesn't latch by much, you might be able to just pop it open
I'll have a look at mine tonight
Mooser
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 06:31 PM
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Got a hammer? That'll work...

Sorry I had to do it......seriously.....do you or a friend (that may be a locksmith) have a lockpick set. Northern Tool has them if you want to buy one. 20 bucks.
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 08:20 PM
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A good Locksmith could have that open and install a new one with a key in short order without any damage to the box.
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Old Jul 5, 2012 | 08:52 PM
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Bump key it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwTVBWCijEQ
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 12:17 AM
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Originally Posted by ...Roger...
Interesting video.
But I'm gonna try and pick it... will keep you posted
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 10:12 PM
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on my 76, the round one fits the doors, not the square one. square one fits the ign only.
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