Missing key
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 48
Missing key
Happy NewYear to everyone at CF!
A friend of a friend has been willed a 1974 (C3)
Corvette.
Unfortunately the key(s) can’t be found and car is locked.
Any suggestions tips, tricks, hacks on what can be done to get Corvette open and a replacement key.
A friend of a friend has been willed a 1974 (C3)
Corvette.
Unfortunately the key(s) can’t be found and car is locked.
Any suggestions tips, tricks, hacks on what can be done to get Corvette open and a replacement key.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,860
Likes: 1,870
From: Birmingham Mi
If you have some road service available, such as AAA, give them a call that you have a lockout. A slim jim is used to get into the door panel from the outside. Then remove the ignition lock and door panel for removing the door lock. Then take them to a locksmith.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 48
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,885
Likes: 107
From: God's Country, ID
Hammer fist the top near where the latch is. If its not too tight, it will give and you can liftt the top off.
Coat hanger or something similar down between the window and the latch.
Coat hanger or something similar down between the window and the latch.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,434
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
If either window is a little loose, this is an excellent idea. Might be able to jimmy up some kind of tool to slip in there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
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From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
There is another one that shows the inner working of the latch as well. I agree that you should "break" in with a slim jim or coat hanger......or pay a tow truck driver to get your door open and search the INSIDE for a spare key first before spending bucks on re-keying.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Moved to C3 General for hopefully some assistance.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
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St. Jude Donor '25-'26
A locksmith will use a Lishi pick to decode the lock without causing any damage and will be able to cut a key by code. It's better than possible damage from someone trying to brute force their way in. Usually doesn't cost that much. Been a few years since I had it done but I think it was around $75 per cylinder. The key that came with my Porsche was so worn out that I couldn't get a copy made.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,404
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
FYI: I once read a fascinating story about a guy who made a living stealing Corvettes from the C2 C3 eras. For C3s, he had a template made which he would align using the door-key entrance and door handle. There was a tiny hole on the template. Inserting an ice pick like tool through the template hole and then through the fiberglass skin. Thanks to the template, the end of the ice pick was aligned under a door latch lever. He'd just angle the pick up and the door would open. He had other fascinating techniques. He even took orders for Corvettes! He wrote the story of his career while he was in jail for car theft.