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Old Dec 18, 2024 | 10:39 AM
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On the ‘78 I have the ignition key but not the door key.
opinions on ordering new door locks with keys vs a locksmith re-keying?
Is it a pain to take off door panels and install new locks?

thanks
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Old Dec 18, 2024 | 11:30 AM
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My vote is to go with the locksmith, but that's because I strive to save time and money. That would be true if the locksmith can use the impressioning technique to duplicate the key.

Last edited by BachelorOfScience; Dec 18, 2024 at 11:50 AM. Reason: Added clarity
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Old Dec 18, 2024 | 12:08 PM
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I agree with finding a local locksmith.

Luckily, I was able to find a good Locksmith and his shop who knew Corvettes and was not far from home. This amazing locksmith made the job look so simple with knowledge and the right tools. In the process he made me a Single key that locks and unlocks the doors and starts the car. It did not take very long for the professional to make a new key for a lock in the door. I was very impressed and would highly recommend going to a professional Locksmith's shop and let them do their magic where it is most convenient for them as this is the most economical way to use their services. If they come to you they will charge you for the service and it is not cheap.
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Old Dec 18, 2024 | 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by JKlep2
On the ‘78 I have the ignition key but not the door key.
opinions on ordering new door locks with keys vs a locksmith re-keying?
Is it a pain to take off door panels and install new locks?

thanks
If in your situation, I would have a locksmith provide me working door keys at the earliest. Having said that, your locks could be gummed up somewhat, but at least the locksmith can fashion you a key to test them as well as being able to open your locked doors. For all we know that will be all you need.
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Old Dec 18, 2024 | 01:43 PM
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In 78 you were issued two keys. One for the ignition and the other for all other locks. Do you remember using the door key to lock the glove box? if so then just take the glove box door off and bring that into the locksmith, no need to hang around. He can make a key sitting at his workbench. Only problem would be if a previous owner changed the glove box lock.
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Old Dec 18, 2024 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by BKarol
In 78 you were issued two keys. One for the ignition and the other for all other locks. Do you remember using the door key to lock the glove box? if so then just take the glove box door off and bring that into the locksmith, no need to hang around. He can make a key sitting at his workbench. Only problem would be if a previous owner changed the glove box lock.
Good idea. Of course, the only sure fire way of doing this is to take the car to the locksmith. However, if still present, perhaps take your glovebox lock, rear compartment lock, and spare tire lock to the locksmith to see if they are all the same.

In my own case, my spare tire lock was missing and the glovebox lock was changed, but the rear compartment lock still matched the doors. Your mileage may vary.
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Old Dec 18, 2024 | 03:37 PM
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I think the factory invoice is available for 1978 cars from GM heritage and it would have the key numbers on it
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Old Dec 18, 2024 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by ralphspears
I think the factory invoice is available for 1978 cars from GM heritage and it would have the key numbers on it
When I received my copy they blanked out the key nos.
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Old Dec 18, 2024 | 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by BKarol
When I received my copy they blanked out the key nos.
Aren't the key codes stamped on the lock cylinders themselves?
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Old Dec 21, 2024 | 09:14 AM
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It took minutes for the locksmith to identify the Key used on my Doors.

Frequently the selling dealer would have records of key numbers used on that vehicle. I doubt they would go as far back as we would need them to go.
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