It just dawned on me today I dont have a door key for this 87 I aquired recently.

is there a key code hidden somewhere that a dealer could cut a new key from?

all I have is the ignition key.

craig

 

The only sure way would be to remove a door lock cylinder, take that to a lock shop, then it could be disassembled, the tumblers identified and a key cut. The cylinder could be reassembled with a new retainer and bezel or at worst a new cylinder could be done. I don't believe you can use the storage compartment cylinder because it doesn't use the full complement of tumblers for coding. A talented GM parts guy could likely also accomplish the task.

 

I checked with the local Chevrolet dealer who looked up my VIN and said the key codes were no longer available, apparently they were once upon a time. They suggested a locksmith. Contacted a local one who said removing the lock cylinder is a huge PITA so they start with the lock for the console and then add the two extra tumblers by trial and error, should cost around $40.

 

That's quite reasonable for what he needs to do. Some aren't interested in the "trial & error" requirement. If it's not easy they don't want any part of it. That's why I mentioned the door cylinder. I'm familiar with what he has to do and I'd guess he's been around a while.

 

My locksmith hit it on try number 3. Cost me 30 bucks and no blood from taking the door lock out.

 

I learned this the hard way, I removed everything in the door to get to the cylinder, then took it to a locksmith who then told me his trip charge is included in the $40 he charged.

 

Back 2 years ago when I bought my 87, it also did not have a door key. As mentioned above, GM no longer has the key codes. Ha !, here we go I thought.

I went to a old well established locksmith about 5o miles from where I live. The old lock smith pulled the console lock (which is the same as the door key but minus 1 tumbler). He used a tool that went into the lock and somehow read each tumbler. He then told me that the extra missing tumbler in the door had only 5 choices. He made a key with the console cut and added a cut for 1 of the 5 choices. Did not work. On the third trial he hit the last tumbler and then made me a few spare good keys. It cost me $20.

Just be sure to go to a old lock smith. A young guy in my area told me there was no way to make that key without the key code. I sold the 87 and the new owner got a few extra door keys.

8Valve

 

I had a similar experience with having no door lock. I checked with dealer and got same answer that key codes were not available for my '88. I took the lock off one of the rear compartments (behind the seats) and took it to a local locksmith. He checked and found there were just a few combinations for my key based on the rear compartment keys. He lucked up with the second key he cut and made me several. Cost was $35 or $40 and well worth it, especially since you HAVE to have this key to turn off the security system if you happen to activate it. BTW, the guy at dealership didn't have a clue what was needed other than referring me to a locksmith.

 

Mine '87 also came without a door key. I removed the door lock. Your locksmith is right, it's a huge PITA.

 

Huge understatement !

Removed the door lock.....
Yep,
me too.

Except on disassembly most of the plastic retainers on mine broke ,. and the end of one of the rods. Ok, I'm screwed.

Not really looking for a challenge, this one was in front of me so I decided to go for it...what were the options? Very few that I could see.

All of the plastic retainers ARE available ON the rack at the parts store. In the generic "help" stuff on a peg display.

the linkage rods...a little more difficult but they are available either salvage OR in my case, I made one by finding the correct size rod, heating it and bending to shape it exactly, and finally drilling a hole in the shaft by slightly flattening the rod then holding it in the drill press vice and using the smallest bit I could find...

Still in use today.
That lock tumbler? here's the best part of this deal.

I installed the WRONG one !

I had a pair of 'em, one odd-ball tumbler off a door I bought and my old one.

When looking for a way to "fix" this without tearing it all apart AGAIN...I got the same response from a younger locksmith as the rest of you did. I was told flat out that these locks could not be re-keyed or reset for whatever reason and that they got replaced and not repaired....and when I ask about having to carry around 2 or more door keys...she says yes, that's what people have to do.
That's what I got out of a younger woman locksmith.
As I said....STILL in use today!




Those little color coded plastic things you stick on the key are worth their weight in gold....