Help!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 18
From: Anderson SC
Help!
I really need some help if it's possible. Ok, I bought a wrecked 99 convertible from a salvage dealer. The car came with no keys or fobs. I have since rebuilt this car back to "like new" condition. I'm wondering how I can possibly get a key ordered or made for the car without going through the dealership. I'm not ready to drive it but I need to get it running. I can bypass the resistor in the key but I need a key that will unlock the ignition switch. Any ideas?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
New ignition switch with keys ??? Why don't you want to go through the dealer ... with the VIN they can make a new key for you. You will need proof of ownership (title papers and photo ID) to do it through a dealer, but they are equipped to do it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 18
From: Anderson SC
Not that easy guys...First, I have to title the car into my name, which means I have to pay sales tax on the car. I've already contacted the local dealer about a key and they told me they need proof of ownership, which I understand protects us all, but it's gonna cost me another $60 for the key through GM on top of the other expenses and that's just the key, no fob! I realize that the taxes must be paid eventually to get this car legal for the street, but all I'm trying to accomplish at this point is to get it running. I'm not ready to pay all the legal fees associated with making the car "legitimate". I don't understand why the car didn't come with a key in the first place! Just wanted to know if there was a way to get around paying out extra money just to get an expensive key made. Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Alton Illinois
you may have another expense problem. some states charge a penalty for not paying sales tax within so many days of purchase. when i bought mine there was a title screw up and even though it was not my fault and the title was late in getting signed over to me, i was charged anyway. good ole Illinois! may be too late to worry about now. might as well save up and get the car signed over and be legal. what is the hold up anyhow? cost? ( as if were any of my business! - just curious)
new ignition and key wouldn't help doors anyway and probably would be more expensive than getting just a new key.
new ignition and key wouldn't help doors anyway and probably would be more expensive than getting just a new key.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 18
From: Anderson SC
Just avoiding the inevitable right now, I guess. I thought maybe a locksmith could rekey the switch or make a key but I don't see how it can be done with this particular switch. I'm probably just gonna have to bite the bullet and pay what's needed. I just wish a key didn't cost so much! $60 is a little ridiculous.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
I did the same thing with my 04 Coupe, except before I spent a boatload of money rebuilding it I made sure I had the title transferred into my name, the worst thing you can do is rebuild a car that has a title to someone else.
Get it titled and then have the dealer make you a key, it's a simple process even though I know it's not the answer your looking for
You do know that most states will allow you to transfer the title without issuing license plates, this will save you some money.
Get it titled and then have the dealer make you a key, it's a simple process even though I know it's not the answer your looking for
You do know that most states will allow you to transfer the title without issuing license plates, this will save you some money.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 18
From: Anderson SC
Yeah I know. Just trying to take a short cut. We actually bought the car through a friend's shop and he has the title so it's available to me, I just didn't want to spend out the money at this stage, but I understand what you are saying. Thanks for the input.
