Hello good folks of the Corvette Forum

Previously I had a lot of good advise from you:
Getting the C3 ready for winter slumber - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
1982 Collector Edition - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

Yet again I find myself in quite the pickle. Corvette-pickle, that is. In order to move the car inside my garage, I inserted the keys into the ignition, turned it and put the transmission in Neutral. I then closed the door. When I tried to open the door again, it was locked. I have read the user manual, and it seems the door locks if one depresses the handle/latch while closing the door. I must have done this. The keys are one key with a square head for the ignition, and one key with a round head for the doors. Both keys were together on a keyring. The car only came with one set of keys. Meaning the car is locked, and the only keys I own are inside the vehicle.

Now, I have searched hours upon hours on the internet trying to figure out what to do. Many say you can contact GM and/or Chevrolet, and by giving the vehicle number (VIN#), they can make a copy of the original keys. Provided the cylinders/locks have not been changed since the car was new in 1982, the copies will work. I have tried finding the e-mail address to GM and Chevrolet on their web pages, but they seem to have removed it. Only phone and paper mail now. I found a GM dealer here in Norway, and after a week of mailing and explaining, sending them a copy of my documents, they confirmed they could get copies from GM in the USA. The cost? $200. I agreed to this.

They just sent me an e-mail telling me GM in the USA had changed their answer. The car is too old for making copies of the original keys. Seems I am out of luck.
Do you have any advise other than breaking the window...?

 

Here in the states we have a service AAA that can open a locked door in about a minute. Check locally if such a service is available in your local area. They use a tool called a Slim Jim. It is a flat tool with a hook on the end. It is slid between the window and the rubber. It catches the lock mechanism and opens the lock. Once opened, I suggest you order a few blank keys from the states an have a local locksmith cut you a few keys. Jerry

 

Thank you very much for your tip, Jerry.
I know what you are referring to. Here it's called NAF or Viking. I have thought of going down that route, but so far I am trying to order a set of spare keys made by GM or Chevrolet. Opening the door with a key is risk-free, but any other approach might leave marks. But it's my plan B.
I am a little worried that the locking mechanism on the inside of the door doesn't work since I have disconnected the battery. I don't know it the inside lock is mechanical or electric...

 

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...hout-keys.html

 

The locking mechanism is mechanical, but there is an electric solenoid that moves the mechanism when you use the electric button.

If you think the power locks would help (perhaps you could insert a very long stick thru the window corner to activate the opposite door switch?), then you could always connect a spare battery to the large starter terminal and connect the battery ground someplace on the frame. The wire would not need to be heavy duty - just large enough to give the car enough power to be able to operate the door locks. Or if the hood is open, you could connect power even easier at the alternator.

 

I know its a long shot but do you know anyone else that has a similar year corvette or older chevy ? If so try their key to unlock your door, I locked my key in my 67 at a car show and found another C1 owner, tried his key and it opened my car, I was kind of shocked but he said he has done it more than once. Apparently there are not that many key types, worth a try if you have someone local.
Jim

 

GM/Chevrolet do not cut keys in the USA. The individually owned dealers cut the keys. As stated above get a service to open the door and then purchase blanks to be cut by a locksmith.

 

i made 2 sets of keys that work perfect from the DIY machine at Lowes

 

Does Lowes have stores in Norway? 😀

 

Put some pressure on the T-top and rap on it with your fist. If the latches are not real tight, they have been known to drop and unlatch. (Be careful if you have glass tops.)

 

I don't believe a "Slim-Jim" will work on C3s. There is a bracket or block at the inside upper rear of the door to prevent thieves from doing just that.

I don't believe the power windows will work without the key on, so that's not an option with a coat hanger.

You might do more damage beating on the T-Top latch than good.

Try Google Locksmith in your area. They can pick a highly technical commercial locks on buildings doors. A simple GM door lock could likely be picked blindfolded.

 

@ bruiser - thank you for your tip. I found that thread when googling my problem, and there is a lot of interesting information there.
@ bradleyb66 - that is a good idea. I will be sure to keep that in mind as a possible route to go down.
@ FRChutch - Sadly no. But I have though about it. My father had the same car (brand and vintage) as a colleague, and I know the keys worked on both cars. If anyone on this forum has a 1982 Collector Edition, I am willing to pay them to have a copy of the door key made and shipped to me.
@MelWff - Aha! That was useful information. I thought GM made the keys and sent them to the dealers. I see blank keys on eBay, and I will be sure to make copies. As soon as I get into the car. I know Lowes from visiting the US, but we do not have that chain. But we have similar, so I know where to have copies made. I only wish I already had done so
@ TimAT - I've read that tip. I have only had the T-tops off one time, and I rememeber the latches being very tight. Since it's the 1982 Collector Edition with the special bronze-tinted T-tops, I'm a little hesitant to start banging on them. I think I would rather cut the side window in the door with a diamond cutter while holding it with a suction holder, and very controlled break the window off. But in that case, first I have to find a new side window...
@ HeadsU.P. - from what I've seen on threads on this forum and elsewhere on the internet, there is a plastic "shield" preventing just that. It can - and will - break. But I prefer to keep the car as original as possible. Even the parts I can't see. I have ordered a pair of suction holders, the ones used to lift and carry windows. I will attach them to the side window and try to gently force the side window townwards. If I manage to make the window open just a bit, perhaps I can get something around the latch for the T-top and open one of them. If not, I will call a locksmith.

Thanks again everyone for helping out. I really appreciate it! Hopefully we'll soon be cruising around in our Corvettes.
(Although, there's another foot of snow here today).

 

If you are at the point where you are considering breaking a window, please do reach out to a locksmith. That may be expensive but I would rather go that route than go through the expense and hassle of window replacement.

 

Since the 1982 has the lock in the armrest and you stated you have suction cups what I'd try is pulling on the top rear of the window enough to get a piece of stiff wire long enough to reach the lock and see if you can unlock it that way.

 

Years ago I bought a theft recovery car and it didn't have keys. Had the local lock smith come out to make me some keys. What he did was insert a blank key and turn the key back and fourth a few time and pulled it out. Then under some type of magnifying glass he was able to see light marks the the lock cylinder made on the key. He just started cutting as needed. Took him a few tries but in about 15 minutes I had new keys. May work for you.

 

Not related to your door locking issue by back in 87 when I bought my first 75 Vette (POS rust bucket) I locked myself out a few times and was always cussing because I know I didn't lock the door. After about 3 times doing this I realized one day getting out of the car that my pointy cowboy boots were hitting the lock on the door panel. Duh!!!!

Don't recall how I got back in, guessing I had a hide-a-key box on the car.

 

If you do not have T top locks , bend a cheap spoon and pop the T top locks.


Back in the day they stole the T tops all the time..

 

Locked my keys in my 77 in Rosarito Mexico in 1978. The local lock smith came keys were in the ignition. He had a long stiff wire wormed it though the passenger window. Pulled the keys out set them on the seat. He asked me witch one went to the door. He pulled out some blank chevy keys and a file. Flippen unbelievable made one and it worked

 

First look to see which side window fits the worst. In the forward top corner of the side window glass stick a slim Screwdriver threw and pop the T-Top Lever down. I have probably done this a dozen times. Back in the day they used to sell a lot of T-Top Locks to slow down the 30 seconds it takes to get in. Oh, You already have T-Top Locks..... Ok well then it gets a little more difficult. The Power Door Lock Switch is always Hot, so if You can make a wire into a Hook and pull up on the Switch just once Your in. Depending on what position the Key is in You can take a wire and push the Power Window Switch. Back in the day when real car thieves stole Corvettes for a living they just stuck an Ice Pick threw the Fiberglass at the door lock to get in.

 

A few years ago I locked the car with the keys in the ignition. Ironically I was parked at a locksmith. Picking up door locks for my house. The locksmith called his car guy who came out and worked for about 45 minutes trying to use the slim jim to open the door. With no luck. Finally, realizing that the door key was hanging off the key chain in the ignition, he pulled out a key blank, and meticulously carved a new key while simply studying the door key hanging off the keychain. It worked well enough to get the door open! And ironically works better than some of the other copy keys that I've had made. Give all credit to the Dayton Lock Company in Wayne PA