Car locked, keys inside
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 102
Likes: 23
From: DePere, WI
Car locked, keys inside
Well, it finally happened. After working on these cars for 45+ years, i finally locked the keys in a 1982. Always preached, never leave the keys in the ignition or on the seat. So, now what can i do to get to the unlock button? Any ideas?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
If you start messin' around with tools you could scratch the glass, break the glass, scratch the chrome, break the lock at a cost twice that of a Locksmith. Because Vettes have no lock button to get a hold of, I think I would just bite the bullet and let a pro get into the vehicle.
If you let the Locksmith know, this is not an emergency situation and that he or she can arrive at their convenience, I believe you will be charged at a lower rate than someone stranded in the dark during a white-out, with screamin' kids in the backseat, pizza getting cold, dog has to pee, etc.
About 90% of Locksmith service calls are emergency, extreme desperate situations. And the panic customer is willing to pay anything to get into a house or vehicle. In your case, no hurry, right?
Then, get a spare door key made pronto and find a place to stick a Hide-A-Key magnetic box.
If you let the Locksmith know, this is not an emergency situation and that he or she can arrive at their convenience, I believe you will be charged at a lower rate than someone stranded in the dark during a white-out, with screamin' kids in the backseat, pizza getting cold, dog has to pee, etc.
About 90% of Locksmith service calls are emergency, extreme desperate situations. And the panic customer is willing to pay anything to get into a house or vehicle. In your case, no hurry, right?
Then, get a spare door key made pronto and find a place to stick a Hide-A-Key magnetic box.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Dec 23, 2019 at 08:38 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 102
Likes: 23
From: DePere, WI
Thanks for the tips. I know the earlier C-3s have a plastic anti-theft piece that goes over the latch mechanism. That car wasn't my screw-up! I guess I'll call the locksmith. Merry Christmas to you all.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38,351
Likes: 2,076
From: California
Find a car thief, or a skill gang member. 
Some of the auto parts stores used to sell a universal slim Jim, if you can caught the rod. It helps if you know the inner configuration of the lock and handle mechanisms inside the door!
I
Some of the auto parts stores used to sell a universal slim Jim, if you can caught the rod. It helps if you know the inner configuration of the lock and handle mechanisms inside the door!
I
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 830
From: Chapel Hill NC
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In my area there are a number of locksmiths and they will give you a quote over the phone. They may try to charge more after the job but stand firm. I think the last time they came out for a car the charge was $80.
I keep spare keys in the house in my desk and have muliple sets on different key rings. First time in 45 years is pretty good. Ive lost count on how may times Ive been locked out.
I keep spare keys in the house in my desk and have muliple sets on different key rings. First time in 45 years is pretty good. Ive lost count on how may times Ive been locked out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
If the T-Tops aren't adjusted real tight and don't have locks, you might be able to bump the top and get the top to open. Be careful if you have glass tops. A little downward pressure and a bump with your hand. I've been into several like that. And broke a top once.
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
Likes: 169
From: Palm Bay Florida
It happened to me when I was much younger. I was out bar hopping .. it was probably around 1:30 AM .. I didn't know what to do. So what did I do?? I found a large rock and threw it through my rear window (1969 coupe).. I then reached in and unlocked the door. Back then it cost me $49 to replace the rear window assembly.
You probably shouldn't do this. Rear window assemblies are probably a lot more expensive.
You probably shouldn't do this. Rear window assemblies are probably a lot more expensive.
Last edited by ballen06; Dec 26, 2019 at 05:26 AM.