Lost 1985 corvette igniton key
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 139
Likes: 3
From: Roseville(outside Sac) CA
Lost 1985 corvette igniton key
So I have the door key but my ignition key went MIA from my workbench from which I working on my 1985. Do I have to replace the whole cylinder with new keys or is there a way around that. Thanks in advance.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
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I don't believe VATS started on Corvettes until 1986.
1985 should be a plain old key. I would check with the dealer first. As already stated they may be able to cut a key from the VIN.
If not hopefully a locksmith can help.
1985 should be a plain old key. I would check with the dealer first. As already stated they may be able to cut a key from the VIN.
If not hopefully a locksmith can help.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Minneapolis Mn
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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Op - if you don't own the proper tools (puller and compressor) for the steering wheel pull you'll need to arrange for them. Loaners at most AP stores but you might consider buying the correct bolts. Don't force anything in the "loaner". Get yourself a 5/16-18 socket head set screw for locking the travel aspect.
You'd be wise to purchase at least this GM part # from either eBay or one of the Corvette parts resellers. They all have them. GM# 7808385
Familiarize yourself with the procedure. The lock cylinder set should be an inexpensive "local" purchase. Use the AP store that's loaning you the tools!!
If you have horn issues or other column problems NOW is the time to do it all in one operation.
You'd be wise to purchase at least this GM part # from either eBay or one of the Corvette parts resellers. They all have them. GM# 7808385
Familiarize yourself with the procedure. The lock cylinder set should be an inexpensive "local" purchase. Use the AP store that's loaning you the tools!!
If you have horn issues or other column problems NOW is the time to do it all in one operation.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 139
Likes: 3
From: Roseville(outside Sac) CA
Reply
Thanks for all the feedback guys, so far the dealer couldn't help me and most locksmiths were asking too much and said it was too old for them. I called the Corvette care center in rancho Cordova CA and they pointed me to one. I hope to god I don't need to disassemble the steering column because it was such a pain in the *** before when my blinker was jammed. When this all blows over im definitely making copies. Locksmith that I was pointed to does not open until Monday 
I'll update you guys with the resolution soon hopefully.
I'll update you guys with the resolution soon hopefully.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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Thanks for all the feedback guys, so far the dealer couldn't help me and most locksmiths were asking too much and said it was too old for them. I called the Corvette care center in rancho Cordova CA and they pointed me to one. I hope to god I don't need to disassemble the steering column because it was such a pain in the *** before when my blinker was jammed. When this all blows over im definitely making copies. Locksmith that I was pointed to does not open until Monday I'll update you guys with the resolution soon hopefully.
I'll update you guys with the resolution soon hopefully.
. still have my originals, I bought an extra set, my son, another. for some reason, I have a 5th ignition key 
good luck getting an ignition key, and definitely get a couple extra sets -
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 936
Likes: 51
From: Post Falls ID
Steering wheel's not that big a deal if you have the pullers for the wheel and lock ring. The ignition cylinder is pretty easy to replace; takes maybe an hour.
Helps if you know the resistance measurement for the key pellet, in order to get the right one for your new key. Not that hard to figure out though -- there are charts all over the internet. There are only what, 15 different resistance values to try? Something like that.
Helps if you know the resistance measurement for the key pellet, in order to get the right one for your new key. Not that hard to figure out though -- there are charts all over the internet. There are only what, 15 different resistance values to try? Something like that.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 936
Likes: 51
From: Post Falls ID
Aha, 1985, missed that little factoid. Easy fix then.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
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If you have wrench skills. you can pull the ignition lock cylinder. DISassmeble in the exact order. Read the tumbler values. give the code to the locksmith. last time i knew. this cut was $20.00. your best value.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 936
Likes: 51
From: Post Falls ID
However, the pellet was a concern for me that the '85 doesn't have, so it's a quick fix.
For anyone who does have the pellet key, it's not a bad idea to write down the resistance value in your owner's manual (if you have an owner's manual) just in case you drop your keys off the yacht.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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OP has an '85 and I don't believe that anyone other than the "selling dealer" could help him. The selling dealer would likely have it in the buyers order BUT THEN you need to maybe assume the dealers doors were maybe "shut" by the restructuring OR maybe they were just shredded in the quest of just cleaning up.
VIN key information is very inconsistent for the year/make/model of most GM cars older than mid/late 90's and then mid/late 90's his also hit/miss for most.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Jul 14, 2016 at 11:58 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Park City Utah
Huh. I've called our local dealer for keys cut from VIN's dozens of times for work trucks (mostly '90's Chev's) and they've cut and delivered the right key every time. Usually for about $3.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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Your relationship got you the pricing! There are some dealers that if you don't have a relationship with their service department OR the car wasn't sold by them they won't even consider assistance. There's Cadillac dealers that actually have it "posted" in that fashion OR there was a few years ago.
In some metropolitan areas I believe that wholesalers and auction facilities abused it to the point where they "JUST SAY NO"! Exceptions? I'd think so