Door Lock C3 1968
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Ipsach Bern
Door Lock C3 1968
Hi
I have no door keys for my 1968. The door locks seems to be ok.
Is there any chance that somebody can reproduce the Keys?
I have no code, no numbers or any other hints to find out which Key it should be.
Or is there any other possibility to change the inside of the door locks?
many thanks
I have no door keys for my 1968. The door locks seems to be ok.
Is there any chance that somebody can reproduce the Keys?
I have no code, no numbers or any other hints to find out which Key it should be.
Or is there any other possibility to change the inside of the door locks?
many thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,625
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From: Russell Ontario
St. Jude Donor '09
It may be easier to replace the cylinders , but you may be able to take them out and have a locksmith re-key them , but for all that trouble I'd just put in new lock cylinders . 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi PB,
Originally 68 cars had an octagon shaped key that operated both the ignition switch and door locks.
If the key that you're using to start the car doesn't operate the doors either the single or pair of the lock cylinders must have been changed at some point.
I suppose if the cylinders were removed a knowledgable person could determine which was the original and re-key the other (s) so they all match again.
You could of course buy a set of new lock cylinders (3) that match as R80 describes.
Regards,
Alan
A second key, (roundish head), was used for the glove box and spare tire locks.
Originally 68 cars had an octagon shaped key that operated both the ignition switch and door locks.
If the key that you're using to start the car doesn't operate the doors either the single or pair of the lock cylinders must have been changed at some point.
I suppose if the cylinders were removed a knowledgable person could determine which was the original and re-key the other (s) so they all match again.
You could of course buy a set of new lock cylinders (3) that match as R80 describes.
Regards,
Alan
A second key, (roundish head), was used for the glove box and spare tire locks.
Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 16, 2017 at 07:55 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 215
Likes: 26
From: Bismarck North Dakota
this was an issue when i got my car too, i was able to start the car with the key that was sent with it but not able to run the door locks.
i got the code off the ignition tumbler (really easy to remove and retrieve) and went to a chevy dealer and had some keys cut. these keys were able to operate the door without an issue. worn out key would operate the ignition but not the doors.
you may want to give that a go before pulling a door tumbler as it costs about $5 and takes less time
i got the code off the ignition tumbler (really easy to remove and retrieve) and went to a chevy dealer and had some keys cut. these keys were able to operate the door without an issue. worn out key would operate the ignition but not the doors.
you may want to give that a go before pulling a door tumbler as it costs about $5 and takes less time
Former Vendor
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If you remove the housing from inside the door the door key code will be stamped on the housing. Then take that to any lock smith and he can cut you a key that should work the cylinder assuming it's in good working order. While you the housings out you might have the lock smith rebuild them. That code will tell him what sequence to use on the tumblers.
Willcox
Willcox
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From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
key code embossed right on the lock body.
get the code and give it to a competent locksmith.
they do not even need the lock , they cut the key per the code.
they only need the lock to verify it works.
originally the keys have a rectangular knockout.(for the key ring to go thru)
this knockout also has the same code embossed on it.
Last edited by 69Vett; Mar 16, 2017 at 10:23 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
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From: eastern NC
Some additional info here...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...cylinders.html
and here...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...oor-locks.html
Good luck... GUSTO
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...cylinders.html
and here...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...oor-locks.html
Good luck... GUSTO
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Former Vendor
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Willcox
Thread Starter
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From: Ipsach Bern
You won't find anyone selling them because the base parts are not available any longer. You best choice is to remove the housings, take them to a lock smith and let him fix you up. Its pretty easy, I used to do them here (now I only do them for 68's) but on the later and earlier cars the new cylinders are cheaper than paying me to re-code/rebuild them. The only time I'll do the other cars is when we have a car that must have matching keys.
Willcox
Willcox
That you re-code/rebuild them?
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From: Lafayette Louisiana
Agree.
Agree, suggest you pull out both of the existing door locks and the ignition key lock and take it all to a competent locksmith.
Kudo's to Rescue Rogers for a great how to write up:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-release.html
Same problem on my 68, who knows what cats and dogs keys worked, LOL's! pulled out all three and a competent locksmith rekeyed all alike.
Hope this helps. I believe any competent locksmith is easily able to do this.
Kudo's to Rescue Rogers for a great how to write up:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-release.html
Same problem on my 68, who knows what cats and dogs keys worked, LOL's! pulled out all three and a competent locksmith rekeyed all alike.
Hope this helps. I believe any competent locksmith is easily able to do this.
Former Vendor
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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beat me too it. Thanks 20mercury.
I pulled mine and had them rekeyed to use my ignition key. If locksmiths have a GM supplier there in swizerland you should be okay, I think Volksal is the euro brand of GM
I pulled mine and had them rekeyed to use my ignition key. If locksmiths have a GM supplier there in swizerland you should be okay, I think Volksal is the euro brand of GM
Melting Slicks
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From: Wauconda IL
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If he gets the codes off the housings I think I have the old code book and can give him the key code for cutting the blanks. For me, if I have the cylinder here I just pull the tumblers out and measure them, then install new tumblers in the cylinder and cut the key.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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They arent reproduced so it will need to be used. Try calling Willcox, Keen Parts and George from th forum. I believe hes 1960FI here