C3 68 Key Question

[Rich G.]

I have what I think are the original keys for my late built 68 (Mid July build) and the ignition key is rectangular. It has a "c" stamped on it. The TM&JG says 68 keys were Hexagonal with a "c" stamp and 69 keys were rectangular with an "e" stamp. The glove box/ spare key I have is oval and has a "d" on it which is what the JG calls for for 68. BTW, the 68 owners manual also says the ignition key should be hexagonal. There are no other marks on the keys except a big "GM" with a line under it and at the edge under that in tiny letters "mark of excellence".

Could these be original or does somebody repro these incorrectly?

Rich Giannotti

[Rich G.]

Re: C3 68 Key Question Addendum

Just looked on EBAY and both styles are for sale as "NOS".

Rich Giannotti

[Mike M.]

Re: C3 68 Key Question

Pat kraus @410 879 9647 has been the NCRS KEY DUDE since Late 70's. Honest, reliable, reasonable. mike

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 68 Key Question

Rich-----

Does the "c" key still have the "knock-out" with the key code? If so, it's likely original, regardless of what might be regarded as original configuration. If it has the knock out still in place with NO key code, then it's definitely not an original key. If it has the knock out removed, then there's no way to tell what it is.

[Peter L.]

Re: C3 68 Key Question

Rich - I suggest the 1968 Corvette Owner's Manual has the information you're looking for. I have the Owner's Manual for my old 1968 Chevelle and is shows the small head octagonal-end key and a round-end key. The TIM&JG does indicate the one key to be a "hex-head" key but this will need to be corrected because the head is in fact an octagon shape. 1968 was the last production year for the small head "letter" keys and used the "C" and "D" keyways and I did not find any information on the use of the larger head retangular and oval head keys as original equipment prior to the 1969 production year; but interesting things happen at the end and beginning of production years. As indicated in the TIM&JG, the larger rectangular and oval head "letter" keys, "E" and "H" were introduced with the 1969 production year. The larger head "C" and "D" keyway keys were first used in the 1972 production year. The key code books show the small head w/ the octagon shape stamped "C" and w/ the round shape stamped "D" for 1968. If the keys have the KNOCK OUT in place, the codes stamped on the KNOCK OUT for original 1968 keys are of the series 0N00-9N99 or 0P00-9P99 for the octagon head "C" key and 0R00-9R99 or 0T00-9T99 for the round head "D" key. The large head "C" and "D" keys for 1972 used codes 00N0-99N9 or 00P0-99P0 ("C" key) and 00S0-99S9 or 00U0-99U9 ("D" key). So if the rectangular and oval head keys you have have the 1968 codes stamped on the KNOCK OUTs that would be very interesting; but if they have the 1972 or later codes, it's unlikely they are the original keys to the car. Hope the information helps. Pete

[Rich G.]

Re: C3 68 Key Question

Pete, Joe, Mike

Thanks for the detailed info Pete. I do not have the knock-outs in place. I guess these are not original based on what you guys have pointed out. I was confused as to why it had a "c" stamp on a rectangular key, but Pete's info explained that.

I am not into judging, but I do like to know what's original and what's not. I guess it's a history thing for me. So, maybe some "more correct" key blanks will show up in my stocking on the 25th!

Rich

[Roger Legge]

Re: C3 68 Key Question

I have a later build '68 (251xx) and I believe I have the original keys with the knockouts in place. As stated, the octagon key has the C stamp and the round key has the D stamp. The octagon knockout key code is in the P series and the round key knockout is in the R series, format just as Pete describes. Amazing amount of knowledge on this board and I am grateful for the time people like Joe and Pete take to share their knowledge.

Roger Legge
#36316