Huge problem: I lost my keys!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Huge problem: I lost my keys!
So my dad passed away 10 years ago and my mother has lost the keys to his corvette that has sat in a garage for years. I purchased a new lock cylinder with keys and door locks with keys but the problem is, how am I going to tow it to the mechanics? What are my options?
I'm pretty good with a wrench but didnt see very many how to's on the internet...
Please please help
B
I'm pretty good with a wrench but didnt see very many how to's on the internet...
Please please help
B
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,588
From: los altos hills california
My original dealer invoice came with the key codes. The keys as I remember had punch out tabs with the same numbers on them. I suppose that somehow allows somebody to cut the correct key. There's always a lock smith to call in any case.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 42
Likes: 2
From: Dushore Pennsylvania
I lost my keys, no-one to blame but myself.
You can tow it with the front wheels up and manual transmission in neutral. If the automatic transmission is locked in park, a rollback will be required.
Your mechanic should be able to move it around on wheel dollies.
Replacing the steering lock cylinder is fairly straight forward, covered many places on the web. Once the steering wheel is removed and you can get into the column, basic tools - small screwdriver and light hammer - are required.
After searching the inter-web, I replaced the ignition lock cylinder myself, took me a little over an hour, but I'm somewhat timid when tearing into unfamiliar territory.
Best of luck.
You can tow it with the front wheels up and manual transmission in neutral. If the automatic transmission is locked in park, a rollback will be required.
Your mechanic should be able to move it around on wheel dollies.
Replacing the steering lock cylinder is fairly straight forward, covered many places on the web. Once the steering wheel is removed and you can get into the column, basic tools - small screwdriver and light hammer - are required.
After searching the inter-web, I replaced the ignition lock cylinder myself, took me a little over an hour, but I'm somewhat timid when tearing into unfamiliar territory.
Best of luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
A locksmith is your best answer or you might ask for advice from an old time GM dealer to re-key the thing. Towing your car over to a mechanic and getting the steering column, both doors, the rear compartment and the tire compartment lock (maybe also the alarm) all torn apart is an expensive and time consuming proposition.
Last edited by CanadaGrant; Aug 19, 2017 at 12:43 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 0
From: Beacon NY
I know i'm not any help to you, but I used to just leave the keys in the ignition all the time. 99% of people have no clue that you need to pump the gas on an old carbeurated car and they can't figure out how to get it started.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 214
Likes: 22
From: Satellite Beach Fl
My dad lost his keys as well, I bought the car, had a locksmith over and in about half an hour the locksmith had the keys ready. If you glovebox locks they can cut a door key off of that as well. Cost me 155 for both keys and 4 copies of each.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
original documentation contains the key code.
and the original keys had plugs in the key slot with code.
it is also stamped into the lock body of every lock.
with this code any good locksmith can make a perfect new key.
and the original keys had plugs in the key slot with code.
it is also stamped into the lock body of every lock.
with this code any good locksmith can make a perfect new key.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 697
A good lock smith can make you a new set in about 30 minutes.
He will need new blanks (most likely will have them).
All he will do is insert the key in the lock or ignition and turn it so the locks will leave very light marks on the key. The then he will start grinding a bit at a time to make the key work.
I watched him do it to a car I bought as a repairable that didn't have any keys.
He will need new blanks (most likely will have them).
All he will do is insert the key in the lock or ignition and turn it so the locks will leave very light marks on the key. The then he will start grinding a bit at a time to make the key work.
I watched him do it to a car I bought as a repairable that didn't have any keys.