Keys locked inside 1973
Race Director
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,474
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From: Laporte, IN
A trick I have seen is and it worked but it was a very experienced locksmith.
Take a blank correct type key
Now file or shape the bottom edge to a knife like thin edge
Insert it into the lock twist it back and forth
This in turn left impressions of the tumbler pins
He would then file those impressions going back and forth the lock inserting twisting it then filing it. Till he was able unlock the car.
It is time consuming but I saw it work. Also the door lock is not a tight tolerance as the ignition lock.
Take a blank correct type key
Now file or shape the bottom edge to a knife like thin edge
Insert it into the lock twist it back and forth
This in turn left impressions of the tumbler pins
He would then file those impressions going back and forth the lock inserting twisting it then filing it. Till he was able unlock the car.
It is time consuming but I saw it work. Also the door lock is not a tight tolerance as the ignition lock.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
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From: US-PNW
Le Mans Master
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From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Joined: Nov 2023
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According to information on the web, Chevrolet has a dealer in Warsaw. Chevrolet can provide the key codes for a car based on its VIN. A replacement key can be cut from this code. I do not know how many years this ability goes back, but a call to chevrolet should let you know if it goes back to 1973.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,695
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According to information on the web, Chevrolet has a dealer in Warsaw. Chevrolet can provide the key codes for a car based on its VIN. A replacement key can be cut from this code. I do not know how many years this ability goes back, but a call to chevrolet should let you know if it goes back to 1973.
Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 583
Likes: 196
From: Wisconsin
I just googled for a 1973 Corvette and this is what came up. Also a lot of locksmiths have the capability from a VIN in the U.S. A call would be worth a shot.
Yes, a Chevrolet dealer can cut a new key for a 1973 Corvette using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) if the original lock cylinders haven't been changed. You'll need to provide proof of ownership, and the dealer will likely require a copy of your vehicle registration and a photo ID
Welcome to the forum.
Yes, a Chevrolet dealer can cut a new key for a 1973 Corvette using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) if the original lock cylinders haven't been changed. You'll need to provide proof of ownership, and the dealer will likely require a copy of your vehicle registration and a photo ID
Welcome to the forum.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,695
Likes: 2,572
I just googled for a 1973 Corvette and this is what came up. Also a lot of locksmiths have the capability from a VIN in the U.S. A call would be worth a shot.
Yes, a Chevrolet dealer can cut a new key for a 1973 Corvette using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) if the original lock cylinders haven't been changed. You'll need to provide proof of ownership, and the dealer will likely require a copy of your vehicle registration and a photo ID
Welcome to the forum.
Yes, a Chevrolet dealer can cut a new key for a 1973 Corvette using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) if the original lock cylinders haven't been changed. You'll need to provide proof of ownership, and the dealer will likely require a copy of your vehicle registration and a photo ID
Welcome to the forum.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ewed-am-i.html
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
From: Warsaw
Guys! We did it 
! Today I got my car keys back! No locksmith, no thief, no specialist but two guys from parking lot maintanence crew. This is how we did it:
We used tons of duct tape to lower drivers window (it went down only about 5mm, we put wooden wedge to prevent it from going up) then we used a stiff wire (made of clothes hanger) to rotate the key into "unlocked" position (it was locked inside ignition). Next we did this same manouver with passengers window, reached the keys with the wire and pull them out. It took us about half an hour... Learned my lesson
I'd like to thank you for all of your answers, cheers!
! Today I got my car keys back! No locksmith, no thief, no specialist but two guys from parking lot maintanence crew. This is how we did it:We used tons of duct tape to lower drivers window (it went down only about 5mm, we put wooden wedge to prevent it from going up) then we used a stiff wire (made of clothes hanger) to rotate the key into "unlocked" position (it was locked inside ignition). Next we did this same manouver with passengers window, reached the keys with the wire and pull them out. It took us about half an hour... Learned my lesson
I'd like to thank you for all of your answers, cheers!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,719
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Good job!
I was hoping you'd get some pics just for the entertainment value.....
I was hoping you'd get some pics just for the entertainment value.....
Guys! We did it ! Today I got my car keys back! No locksmith, no thief, no specialist but two guys from parking lot maintanence crew. This is how we did it:
We used tons of duct tape to lower drivers window (it went down only about 5mm, we put wooden wedge to prevent it from going up) then we used a stiff wire (made of clothes hanger) to rotate the key into "unlocked" position (it was locked inside ignition). Next we did this same manouver with passengers window, reached the keys with the wire and pull them out. It took us about half an hour... Learned my lesson
I'd like to thank you for all of your answers, cheers!
! Today I got my car keys back! No locksmith, no thief, no specialist but two guys from parking lot maintanence crew. This is how we did it:We used tons of duct tape to lower drivers window (it went down only about 5mm, we put wooden wedge to prevent it from going up) then we used a stiff wire (made of clothes hanger) to rotate the key into "unlocked" position (it was locked inside ignition). Next we did this same manouver with passengers window, reached the keys with the wire and pull them out. It took us about half an hour... Learned my lesson
I'd like to thank you for all of your answers, cheers!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
From: Warsaw
And one more time, thank you for help!
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Halfway
1967 Pedal Car Champion
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From: US-PNW
WooHoo! If you haven't already, buy them each a case of brew or bottle of their favorite distilled and add them to your Christmas card list!