How to unlock a C3 without keys?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
From: Casey IL
How to unlock a C3 without keys?
Hi,
I recently purchased a 73 coupe with both doors locked, windows up tight, and the keys in the ignition. I am looking for the least destructive method for unlocking the car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Thanks,
Clayton
I recently purchased a 73 coupe with both doors locked, windows up tight, and the keys in the ignition. I am looking for the least destructive method for unlocking the car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Thanks,
Clayton
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 282
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I have read that if you hit the t-top really hard in the area of the t-top locks that they will often unlock and you can then remove it. I've never tried it, but it sounds like it might work. If not, contact a locksmith. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 582
From: West Monroe Louisiana
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
There is a little tab that if you push down on will pop open the door.
Look for a tab like is in the below photo.
Donnie
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Fl
Slim jim will work if you can catch the lateral lock rod. you also may be able to flip the t-top latch with a ridged flat metal strip. do you know how to pick a lock?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,227
From: Tampa Florida
Is that the video from ...Roger... where he uses an oil dipstick to open a C3?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ette-help.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ette-help.html
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
From: Casey IL
Unlocked with no damage!
Thank you to all that offered advise. I was able to unlock my 73 last night with no damage. I even got it open without using the video. I studied the mechanism on my 69 that I am currently restoring and used the dipstick as recommended on the forum. Thanks again for those that offered help!
Thanks,
Clayton
Thanks,
Clayton
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
If the lock on your door is the only theft deterrent then you are asking for trouble, a tow truck driver told me about banging on the roof 10 years ago when I phoned him to open my door.
I have 4 different devices and electronic circuits that make it impossible to start my Vette, even with the keys, the only way to steal it is tow it. Don't leave it unattended for than a few minutes. Sucks sometimes but that's the way it is
I have 4 different devices and electronic circuits that make it impossible to start my Vette, even with the keys, the only way to steal it is tow it. Don't leave it unattended for than a few minutes. Sucks sometimes but that's the way it is
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
If the lock on your door is the only theft deterrent then you are asking for trouble, a tow truck driver told me about banging on the roof 10 years ago when I phoned him to open my door.
I have 4 different devices and electronic circuits that make it impossible to start my Vette, even with the keys, the only way to steal it is tow it. Don't leave it unattended for than a few minutes. Sucks sometimes but that's the way it is
I have 4 different devices and electronic circuits that make it impossible to start my Vette, even with the keys, the only way to steal it is tow it. Don't leave it unattended for than a few minutes. Sucks sometimes but that's the way it is
MotorHead
If you want to share your deterrents with a PM, I'd appreciate it. SoCal is, well, SoCal.
Steve
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I've just gotten my '80 out of storage after almost 20 years w/ hopes of spending a little quality time on it in the coming months.
I have the door key. But, I locked the door out of habit, like an idiot, when I trailered it. Now, the lock is frozen. I've sprayed in WD40 everywhere I can for a few weeks now, thinking I might eventually free things up w/o any luck. I've got mirrored-glass tops, and I've pounded on them about as hard as I think I can without shattering them w/o any luck.
I'm not sure how much force its gonna take to get this thing unlocked, but I'd sure like to try the dipstick trick I've been reading about on the forum if you someone can point me in the right direction.
Appreciate any help/suggestions. Looking forward to exploring the forum.
I have the door key. But, I locked the door out of habit, like an idiot, when I trailered it. Now, the lock is frozen. I've sprayed in WD40 everywhere I can for a few weeks now, thinking I might eventually free things up w/o any luck. I've got mirrored-glass tops, and I've pounded on them about as hard as I think I can without shattering them w/o any luck.
I'm not sure how much force its gonna take to get this thing unlocked, but I'd sure like to try the dipstick trick I've been reading about on the forum if you someone can point me in the right direction.
Appreciate any help/suggestions. Looking forward to exploring the forum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Sort of- If they're glass tops, be EXTREMELY careful. Lean on the top over the latch and bump it with your fist. If the top is adjusted really tight on the latches the odds of success are very low. I have gotten into many of them like that, but I also broke a glass top one time too.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0