T-top locks
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 66
From: Hutto Texas
T-top locks
The locks on my T-tops are missing the keys. I have searched the forums and Google to see if someone sells just the lock cylinders but I am coming up empty handed. The closest thing I have found is this from Ecklers. http://www.ecklers.com/corvette-t-to...roduct_Related Mine do not look exactly like these. Should I assume that t-top locks were not factory on '81 Vette's? If not I will just drop the $30 and buy all new locks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
OK. I have t-top locks on my 82 and have that key on my keyring. Looks like a Masterlock key and fits well on keyring with the door key and the ignition key. That way I can take the t-tops off when on hte road if I like. Maybe your key is different.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 66
From: Hutto Texas
I think some pictures are in order. Below is what mine look like. I do not know what the brass wire is around the lock. I just bought the car last weekend and I am still learning about its little qwarks. After further investigating my question is now pointless. The threaded side of the lock has nothing to screw in to. I have to guess the t-tops are not original to the car. Looks like I will be looking in to the after market lock set.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
T top locks prevent someone from pounding on the roof above the latch so the latch drops down and they can remove the panel and get in. It works I did it when I got locked out of mine when I first bought it. And it is no secret, a tow truck driver told me to do it when I phoned him to come and unlock my Vette.
I suppose if locked with the key they will stop someone from stealing them but the guy has to be in your car in the first place.
So my T Top locks are the kind that slide over the lever and make it impossible to pull the lever down whether they are actually locked with a key or not. And they are held in place securely with a friction piece inside so they don't come off unintentionally, you have to pull them off.
So I don't even use the key, just having them on the lever is enough to prevent the above break in method, oh did I mention the car is never out of sight for very long either
I suppose if locked with the key they will stop someone from stealing them but the guy has to be in your car in the first place.
So my T Top locks are the kind that slide over the lever and make it impossible to pull the lever down whether they are actually locked with a key or not. And they are held in place securely with a friction piece inside so they don't come off unintentionally, you have to pull them off.
So I don't even use the key, just having them on the lever is enough to prevent the above break in method, oh did I mention the car is never out of sight for very long either
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 66
From: Hutto Texas
That's good info Motor Head. I actually found my lock set on Ebay, they were made by Motive Service and Supply. I can see where the piece over the lock is good but my original handles are gone and were replaced with the locks. The auction has a few more days but hopefully this will get'em locked and secured. Thank you to everyone who posted up.
