C3 68 Door Locks

[Bob Rochman]

Do keys wear out and what are the repair possibilities? I recently purchase a 68 vette but never checked the door locks. The original ingnition key and a copy work fine to start the vette but only the original will open the driver side door but it requires a lot of jiggling to finally get it open.

Can a lock smith somehow reproduce the key for a better fit? Or do I need to replace the door locks?

Bob

[Eric Fairclough]

Re: C3 68 Door Locks

I had the same problem with my 72 when i got a spare from 2 local hardware stores. They both worked fine in the ignition but in the door locks you had to put the key all the way in then pull in out about 2 milimeters and then it would work but finally i found the right size key at lowes and it worked perfect.

[Daniel Grunwald]

Re: C3 68 Door Locks

Bob,
You may have some wear in the locks and if you do any competant locksmith should be able to renew any worn parts in the lock cylinder. The insides are really pretty simple. Just some tiny springs and some color coded pins that make it work with your key. I would first look at possibly putting some liquid graphite in your lock to make it smoother. Also, hold the original key up tight to the new one and look for problems with the alignment of the cut areas and the shoulder at the back of the cuts. Also try taking the keys to a competant lock guy and explain your problem. When they cut keys for a living they seem to do it better than the local home center guys who cut 1 key a month.
Daniel

[Bob Rochman]

Re: C3 68 Door Locks Thanks for the Help

Eric and Daniel,

Thanks for your help. I did go to a local locksmith this afternoon. He is familiar with these type of repairs. He did see some slight problems and recut the key. If this does not work I can bring in the door lock and he can repair the pins/springs.

Thanks again,

Bob

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 68 Door Locks Thanks for the Help *TL*

Bob,

Take your keys to a GM dealer (doesn't have to be Chevrolet) and ask at the parts counter if anyone there is familiar with cutting keys. If they go for a machine with a round cutter, like your hardware store has - leave. If they reach for a pliers type tool, you have found the right place.
A competent person can measure the key with a gauge (actually the really good people can gauge the key by eye) and then cut a new one with the pliers type cutter that was used originally to make the keys for your car.
This should yield the most accurate key, and it should work in both the ignition and doors. If it doesn't, there may be wear in the door locks (not likely on the passenger side) and they will need the rebuilding mentioned by Eric or Daniel.
BTW: If the lock cylinders are original to the car, and you have reason to remove them, the key number is stamped into the lock cylinder. With this number a knowledgeable GM parts person can make you a key using the tool I described above that will be 100% accurate.
Not to be stereotypical, but it is likely the person you are looking for will have either gray hair, or no hair. My experience is that younger parts counter people do not have these kinds of skills. I'm sure there are a few exceptions, but they are not at the places I frequent.
Terry