Hey 68 Vette guys
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Hey 68 Vette guys
Hey I bought the L-79 three weeks ago and never checked the keys. They do not operate the door locks. The prior owner said he never tried them in the two years he owned it. :rolleyes:
Okay for the question I need door locks, local mobile locksmith is $90.00. Old locks appear to be in good condition. Cannot find anything on Ecklers/ Mid America search for door lock cylinders. If new door locks are close to $90 then hell I'll install new locks. If there over $150 then I'll call the locksmith. But as I cannot find new locks via a vendor I have half the info I need.
PLEASE ADVISE... OVER
Okay for the question I need door locks, local mobile locksmith is $90.00. Old locks appear to be in good condition. Cannot find anything on Ecklers/ Mid America search for door lock cylinders. If new door locks are close to $90 then hell I'll install new locks. If there over $150 then I'll call the locksmith. But as I cannot find new locks via a vendor I have half the info I need.
PLEASE ADVISE... OVER
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (Cali,68,L-79)
I don't know if you realize that the square ignition key is the door key too on early C3's. The oval key is only for the rear comparment lock. Any locksmith has the door locks and they are reallt cheap, like about $12. Also you could take the lock out and take it too a locksmith. They can make a key to fit. At least you would save a service call.
[Modified by bluevetteman, 5:09 AM 12/9/2003]
[Modified by bluevetteman, 5:09 AM 12/9/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (bluevetteman)
You'll be shocked when you find the price of 68 only door locks. I don't believe that anybody repro's them. You would be much further ahead re-keying yours. :) Also, 68 was the last year to use the octagon key. They went to the square key in 69. Chuck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,157
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FLA
Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (Cali,68,L-79)
The 1968 pushbutton/door locks are one year only. If needed, will have to find used ones. They show up on ebay every now and then. I've read that the lock is supposed to have a number code on the side of the lock that will give the locksmith the key code. You'll have to take the door panel off to get to the push/button and possibly have to remove the pushbutton to see it.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 22,582
Likes: 251
From: Denison, TX
2022 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (Chuck Gongloff)
Also, 68 was the last year to use the octagon key. They went to the square key in 69. Chuck
and, btw, i don't think it unlocks my doors, i'll check!
[Modified by oyealiz, 3:41 PM 12/9/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (oyealiz)
I don't have any reference material in front of me now, but it's the keyway...the letter stamped on the side of the key....that dictates whether the key will fit the lock....regardless of whether the key is square, octagon, or any other shape. Certain keyway letters are used with different years, A and B, C and D, etc.
SO....replacement keys with the right keyway can be made using any head configuration.
Also.....the 68 locks are unique....Corvette only. BUT...I don't know if the tumblers inside interchange with anything else.
My point is that you MIGHT be able to replace the lock cylinder WITHIN the lock assembly.
My best advice....get a locksmith to make keys for your door. A good locksmith can make a key by marking a blank, putting the key in, and looking where the tumbler pins mark the key. It might be more expensive, but it will save you LOADS of aggravation in the end. Chuck
SO....replacement keys with the right keyway can be made using any head configuration.
Also.....the 68 locks are unique....Corvette only. BUT...I don't know if the tumblers inside interchange with anything else.
My point is that you MIGHT be able to replace the lock cylinder WITHIN the lock assembly.
My best advice....get a locksmith to make keys for your door. A good locksmith can make a key by marking a blank, putting the key in, and looking where the tumbler pins mark the key. It might be more expensive, but it will save you LOADS of aggravation in the end. Chuck
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (BlueL36)
Okay guys latest thing is another guy said to save money and remove both locks then bring them over with the ignition keys and he would try to change the cylinders to work with the ignition key as it should be for $30. If not I'll have 3 kets total....door, ignition, storage bin.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (Cali,68,L-79)
Go for it, one key for both ignition and doors.
BTW, removing the locks from the door is kind of a pain. In order to get it out, I think I had to remove the latch mechanism too.
Gary
BTW, removing the locks from the door is kind of a pain. In order to get it out, I think I had to remove the latch mechanism too.
Gary
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (Cali,68,L-79)
The ignition key works the ignition and the doors. The other key is for the lock on the spare tire and the rear compartment. You could only take out one door lock to have a key made which should lock and unlock both doors given that your ignition has been changed. Your car is really nice, have a 68 L79 original owner, love that 327/350 4-speed 3:70 combo.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (70ZZ3 96LT4)
The ignition key works the ignition and the doors. The other key is for the lock on the spare tire and the rear compartment. You could only take out one door lock to have a key made which should lock and unlock both doors given that your ignition has been changed. Your car is really nice, have a 68 L79 original owner, love that 327/350 4-speed 3:70 combo.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim Caleefornia
Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (Cali,68,L-79)
I just checked and my 68's doors and ignition are keyed the same. I have a square key, but I don't know what the original key was like.
That's a great paint job on your '68. Really sharp looking car. :cool:
All the best,
SharkPilot :steering:
That's a great paint job on your '68. Really sharp looking car. :cool:
All the best,
SharkPilot :steering:
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
Re: Hey 68 Vette guys (SharkPilot)
Again, if I remember right, I had to remove the latch mechanism in the door to get the locks out. There wasn't enough clearance with it there. So no, the doors will not stay closed without the latch there.
Gary
Gary
