Ignition cylinder lock replacement, missing original key

Closed Thread Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 12, 2011 | 10:37 AM

shafrs3

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 2,441

Likes: 0

Ignition cylinder lock replacement, missing original key

I need to replace my ignition lock cylinder on my '72 T&T column because for the life of me, I can't find my original key. Can I follow the instructions on Jim Shea's web site to get this old lock cylinder out without it's matching key?

Yes, I am the legal owner of this vehicle.

Jun 12, 2011 | 11:32 AM

7t9l82

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 6,952

Likes: 858

From: melbourne florida

2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified

don't need the key to replace it

Jun 12, 2011 | 02:16 PM

shafrs3

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 2,441

Likes: 0

Oh, thought I had read it was necessary. Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

Jun 12, 2011 | 04:32 PM

patraw03

Advanced

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 97

Likes: 0

From: Wellesley Island New York

I just went through this same ordeal.. If it's anything like a 69, its a pain, but if you need any additional help let me know. Take it from me, a hammer is not necessary at all. I also have a replacement with keys if you need it... I won't because of the hammer incident, the whole thing is broke now.

Jun 12, 2011 | 07:32 PM

volition

Racer

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 380

Likes: 0

From: Glendale AZ

While you have it apart, it's WELL WORTH going a little farther and tightening the bolts that hold the Tilt mechanism. These things have worked loose on almost every C3 by now and a good tightening will make a huge difference in the flop most have in the column.

Jun 12, 2011 | 08:02 PM

tnovot

Racer

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 497

Likes: 0

From: Streator Illinois

You might be able to find an old time locksmith who has a set of master keys that can be used to find one with the right cut so a new one can be made. I did this for the door locks on my '75.
Terry

Jun 13, 2011 | 08:14 AM

Jim Shea

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 6,001

Likes: 115

From: Saginaw Michigan

These papers will walk you through replacing the lock cylinder.

Telescoping Steering Wheel Blowup
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=991

Remove lock cylinder instructions
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev13my2010.pdf

Remove lock cylinder pics
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev02oc2010.pdf

Jim

Jun 13, 2011 | 05:59 PM

shafrs3

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 2,441

Likes: 0

Thanks everyone for the help and tips. Getting the old lock out was a snap, getting the replacement in is proving to be a problem. The new lock cylinder appears to be nearly identical (small difference at the end where the cylinder engages the column mechanism, new unit has slightly larger receptical) but refuses to slide all the way to home base. I've been forced to use calipers to check dimensions but haven't discovered any differences. I have turned the lock to the run position before reinserting, I did need to use a thin feeler gauge to act as "ramp" for the metal tab to slip into it's retracted position.

After all these precautions are met the cylinder fails to fully seat to home base, as if it tapers larger towards the end of the bore (or the bore tapers smaller) and is just to big to fit into the hole. I will either obtain another lock assembly or take old cylinder to locksmith, or I may attempt to transplant the tumblers from the new lock into the old.

Thanks Jim for those drawings, big help.

Last edited by shafrs3; Jun 13, 2011 at 06:14 PM.