door key no longer works
 

My door key won't turn the lock cylinder anymore, and it used to. What might have changed that it won't work any more? I'm on a tear of fixing little problems that have come up from driving my Vette, and this is next on the list.

How much wear is showing on the key? Possible the key and lock cylinder are just worn to the point they don't play well together anymore. Does the key work in the other side?

It's never worked in the other side. I'm convinced a lock cylinder was replaced somewhere along the line and I only ever had the key to one side.

pull door lock, key number is on the lock body,
give key code to a good locksmith, presto new key.
the new key will work much better than, a copy, of a copy of an old key.

That could work.. but it's best if you just remove both cylinders and take them to the lock smith with the key code. The reason for this is that the tumblers inside the lock cylinder are brass as is the key.... and both are susceptible to wear. Then the lock smith can remove the tumblers, install new and then cut you a new key that will work perfectly.

If you wish to keep the original code key... if not, buying a pair of lock cylinders might be cheaper. https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette-door-locks-78-79

And one other thing.. aftermarket lock kits from local parts houses don't have the correct locks... The locks on a 1978-1979 had one long stem lock and one short since the driver side had the alarm activation switch on it and the passenger side didn't. So just a heads up... you'll get the wrong set if you go to AZ or other name brand parts houses. you can see the difference in the picture below.

Willcox

https://willcoxcorvette.com/media/ca...vette-part.jpg

I haven't really looked into what the deal is with all the locks on the car, but the glove box and lockable rear storage have never worked either, so someone has monkeyed with the locks somewhere along the line. What I probably need to do is get a full set of locks for everything but the ignition.

Well, that's it!! No more drives for you. The car has called it "Quits!".

Seriously...

First order of business is to shoot some graphite "Lock lube" into the lock and see if it was just sticky. Round 2 is to see if you can get new keys made (if the tips of the present key are worn badly). Locksmiths can do this; hardware story 'jockeys' can not. Round 3 is to replace the locks and keys with new stuff. Definitely not the route you want to go. Getting that lockset out is a PITA...and you need to do both doors!

Who locks a Corvette anyway ? I never leave mine set anywhere that I can't watch it along with my best buddy. :pistols:

Me, for one. Always, even if I can see it.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y15..._115854149.jpg
This is the lock that no longer works. This is the only thing I can find that even resembles something like a number, and it doesn't look like anything to me. Am I looking at the right place? I took the bracket off too, and didn't find any number under that either.

If you get a new set of locks and keys and change them on both doors, you will be good to go. If you just want to get the 'bad' door lock replaced with one that uses the same key, I would suggest calling some to find out if they can do that when given the 'old' lock and the new one.

Hey! It could happen! :eek:

your thumb is covering the numbers. it is on the side of the lock body.
clean the lock body, it is very small print, 4-5 letters I believe.
a good locksmith can key them the same.

Thanks for all you input.

Unfortunately, there are no locksmith' in Germany who either have a collection of old keys to try or are able to decode the number on the tumbler in order to cut keys. GM cars from the 60s are not so common over here. ;-)

But with your help I will be able to find a locksmith in the US as soon as I have the code from the door locks.

What year is your Vette?

1963