Door Key
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Door Key
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
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
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
From: FL
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
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,720
Likes: 1,625
From: Fairfax Virginia
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.
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.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 319
Likes: 125
From: Midwest
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 665
From: Northeast
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.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 319
Likes: 125
From: Midwest
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.
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 665
From: Northeast
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,720
Likes: 1,625
From: Fairfax Virginia
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.
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.