A question about C1/C2 keys

[Gary B.]

I've always thought that original GM keys for C1 and C2 Corvettes were made by Briggs & Statton. I've recently seen what I thought were orignal GM keys from that era, but instead of Briggs & Stratton, they say Rochester Products Divsion and the letters RP. As yet a 3rd alternative, I've seen vintage looking keys with Briggs & Stratton, but with the addition of the RP letters (obviously standing for Rochester Products). I've seen all 3 styles of keys with their original knockouts intact and with the original key code stamped into the knockout, making them all look like original 50's and 60's vintage keys. Are all 3 styles original, i..e, supplied by GM to the original Corvette owner? Or is only the key with Briggs & Stratton with no RP letters, the only original key?

Anyone know?

Thanks,

Gary

[Peter L.]

Re: A question about C1/C2 keys

Gary - This is a very interesting question and one I have been researching and so far the best information I have regarding the original keys supplied with C1 and C2 Corvettes is that they were Brigg & Stratton keys. At least so far I have not found confirmed "original" keys for these year Corvettes to be Rochester Products Division keys and I've looked a numberous Corvette keys. Having said that I know that both Briggs and Stratton and Rochester Products keys were original equipment on Chevrolet full size cars and Chevelles in the 60s, since I've also looked at lots of these keys also. Specifically, the original key set I have for my '66 Chevelle is Briggs & Stratton and both of the original key sets (how many folks have both original key sets?????) my friend has who is the original owner of a '67 Chevrolet SS are Rochester Products. Also, I do not believe that Rochester Products key blanks were available from Chevrolet as SERVICE items. Here again, I've only found Briggs & Stratton key blanks for pre-'69 applications, i.e. the small octagon head and "oval" head. So, keep looking at keys and if Rochester Products keys show up as "original" equipment on pre-'69 Corvettes we'll have to revise the TIM&JG. There's still plenty of questions to be answered on these cars. Pete

[Gary B.]

Thanks Pete

Pete,

For a while there I thought I was asking one of those questions that no one knew the answer to. I'm glad to know that someone else is thinking about the answer.

Gary