The original keys to my L89 Coupe were destroyed in a fire. I recently purchased a set of "1969 NOS GM Blanks" on ebay. Questions: Can a locksmith cut the new blank keys using the ignition/door locks as a guide? I just found a my dealer invoice, and noticed that it has hand written serial numbers for the engine, transmission and rear end, along with "Key codes". Can a locksmith use these codes to cut the new keys? Thanks for your time.
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Re: 1969 Key Blanks
Lawrence With the codes any locksmith could cut your keys. If you don't have the keys with knock outs E-mail me and I know a member who will help you. LyleLyle
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Re: 1969 Key Blanks
I'm curious - if one doesn't have the key code(s) - can they be found on the car anywhere like maybe the lock mechanism itself or something?
Also is it better to have a copy made from an existing functioning key (presuming it wasn't burned!) on a dupe machine or have keys made by a locksmith based on a code?
thanks,Comment
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Re: 1969 Key Blanks
Lock codes are rubber stamped on the mechanism, and making a key from code is always better that off and original because of the wear.
KevinComment
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Re: 1969 Key Blanks
Todd, The ignition key code is USUALLY stamped on the outside of the ignition tumbler cylinder, but you have to remove it from the steering column to get it.
The door and glove box key code were USUALLY stamped into the door lock cylinder
case, with about 1/16" high charactors, with a punch. You would still have to remove the cylinder from the door, to read it. FWIW DaveComment
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Re: 1969 Key Blanks
Thanks Kevin and Dave. Were all cylinders typically so stamped - like alarm locks or spare tire locks?Comment
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Re: 1969 Key Blanks
By the way, I also have the Alarm option. The alarm lock uses a Briggs and Stratton Key. I have found no one who sells this key in an NOS or repro blank. No ideas if the lock body is stamped! Thanks everyone!Comment
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Re: 1969 Key Blanks
Todd, Not all cylinders were stamped. That's why I stated USUALLY in my previous message. I don't think alarm or spare tire lock cylinders were stamped,
just the door and ignition lock cylinders, as far as I know. DaveComment
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Re: 1969 Key Blanks
If you can get one of the door locks out, and it has the numbers stamped on it, you don't need to take the ignition switch out. The door locks are several orders of magnitude easier to remove than the ignition lock. For the round key, the storage compartment lock usually has the number stamped on it. So long as the compartment is unlocked the lock can be easily removed.
The key codes are on the gas tank build sheet for mid-1971 and later Corvettes as well.
If you go to a locksmith or Chevrolet dealer with the key codes you will get the most accurate key if they use the codes and a pliers-like key cutting tool. I have seen sales literature for a computer controlled (yes, a PC) key cutting machine, but I am not sure that it works for vehicles as old as ours. The price was around 5K. My guess is that the future will make it harder to get our old simple keys reproduced.TerryComment
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Re: 1969 Key Blanks
Terry, In my earlier post on the ignition cylinder, I should have stated for 1969 and up, column mounted ignition cylinders. The code should be stamped, unless the cylinder was replaced.
Glad you mentioned the newer PC key cutting machines, they are quite expensive. A lot of dealers and locksmiths are going to the PC system, as it is ALMOST idiot proof. The main advantage is, they can cut most any key, as long as the appropriate software with the key codes is installed. There are no key code books used, it is all in the software. I believe you are right about it will be hard to get the older keys reproduced, as the PC is geared more toward newer vehicles. FWIW DaveComment
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