Key question

[Rex T.]

For 1964, does one key fit everything, including ignition, glove box, door locks and spare tire lock? Also, how do I tell if a key is an original for 1964 Corvette? Thanks, Rex #8089

[Peter L.]

Re: Key question

Rex - For 1964 one key should operate all the locks.

Typically, the original key would be an octagon head key (commonly referred to as a B10 key) with the Briggs & Stratton logo and address on one side of the head and the GM logo on the other side with a KNOCKOUT plug in the key head. If (1) the key is the B10 key with the B&S/GM logos on the key head and looks to be 40+ years old, (2) the KNOCKOUT plug is still in place, (3) the key number (8000-9499) is stamped on the KNOCKOUT plug, and (4) determine that the locks have not been changed and that lock key cores are original and that the key number matches the numbers stamped on any or all of the following: the door locks, the ignition lock key core, the glovebox lock key core, or the spare tire lock key core (original door locks, ignition lock key cores, and glovebox lock key cores were stamped with the key number) you have a winner and the key is most likely the original key to the car or one would be hard pressed to say otherwise. Without the KNOCKOUT in place and the matching key number stamped on the KNOCKOUT, it would be difficult if not impossible to make the case. Pete

[Gary B.]

Key question; key number stamping

Rex,

Pete has explained very clearly the evidence that one would look for to determine if a key is original. A slightly different question is, what would one look for on the key itself to try and determine if a key is NOT original. Since NOS blanks can still be found and because some people have the cabability of stamping the correct 4-digit key number into the knockout plug, a new "original" key can indeed be recreated. To detect such a key, I beleive that some people have the knowledge to look at the design of the font that is used for the number stamping and tell if the stamped number is an original stamping or not. It's the same idea as looking at a restamped engine pad. Of course, the big difference is a detectable restamped key is not going to result in the same magnitude of a deduction as a detectable restamped engine pad. In fact, I'm not sure a restamped number on a key will result in any deduction. Since there are so few judging points for the key to start with, a 1 point deduction for an incorrrect key number font would likely be considered excessive by most judges.

Gary