Should Ignition and door key be the same?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
Edit: Looks like my last question was answered above. That's what I always assumed.
Last edited by RagTop69; Feb 1, 2010 at 02:01 PM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
As a rule, all 67-73 GM cars originally had square keys for the ignition and doors. Round keys for the glove, trunk, & console.
1974-up used a square key for the ignition and round key for the doors, glove, trunk, and console.
There were 8 different key blanks used for all years, at least until the mid 80's. A, C, E, & J blanks are square. B, D, H, & K blanks are round.
Key blanks and years are as follows:
67 = A & B
68 = C & D
69 = E & H
70 = J & K
71 = A & B
72 = C & D
73 = E & H
74 = J & K
The above sequence continues from 1975 thru the 80's.
Many reproduction and aftermarket locks as well as later GM over the counter parts used what is called a composite keyway which will accept any of the previously mentioned key blanks. This added with door swapping and plain worn out locks probably adds to some of the confusion that we find today in our 35 year old cars.
Hope that this helps,
Jim
1974-up used a square key for the ignition and round key for the doors, glove, trunk, and console.
There were 8 different key blanks used for all years, at least until the mid 80's. A, C, E, & J blanks are square. B, D, H, & K blanks are round.
Key blanks and years are as follows:
67 = A & B
68 = C & D
69 = E & H
70 = J & K
71 = A & B
72 = C & D
73 = E & H
74 = J & K
The above sequence continues from 1975 thru the 80's.
Many reproduction and aftermarket locks as well as later GM over the counter parts used what is called a composite keyway which will accept any of the previously mentioned key blanks. This added with door swapping and plain worn out locks probably adds to some of the confusion that we find today in our 35 year old cars.
Hope that this helps,
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Feb 2, 2010 at 09:20 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I'll have to carry around two square keys now. The next time I have to take the door panel off I will take care of this. Or maybe it would be easier to remove the columm lock cylinder again, insert the original key and file down the tumblers. Hmmm...
Last edited by 08vycpe; Feb 2, 2010 at 09:22 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Vista CA
As an owner of a 71 and a 73, I can say Tom has it right.
