'57 Seat Partition Lock

[Brian W.]

My seat partition lock did not work with the ignition key. All other locks work fine. I took the lock to a local locksmith and he filed off the tangs and said it should work. Well it doesn't. Can a new lock be purchased that will work with my key or can my original lock be repaired properly? If repairable who can do this? Thanks to all
Brian

[Wayne P.]

Re: '57 Seat Partition Lock

You need to find a competent locksmith. He can determine the correct key to open it or rekey it to match your switch key.

[Christopher R.]

Re: '57 Seat Partition Lock

Take it back to the locksmith or another locksmith. It can be made to work. It's pretty simple. The tangs stick up and prevent the cylinder from turning. The indentations in the key and the different lengths of the tangs are what makes the lock lock and unlock. By filing them, it sounds like the locksmith was making one or more of the tangs fit. If that didn't work, maybe you need a new lock cylinder. The usual Corvette parts vendors all carry them. The cylinder will come with new and different length tangs. Your locksmith will again nee to file and fiddle with them to make the thing lock and unlock. These tangs were and are as common then as now as bobby pins and books of matches.

Consider taking all the tangs out so that that the catch still latches but doesn't lock. Are you really doing to lock something in there? I use my trunk when I want to lock something up, but leave the car open.

[Gary C.]

Re: '57 Seat Partition Lock-Function Judged

FYI - If you plan to have your Corvette Judged, the Judges will check the lock's function. Does the cylinder spin all the way around. Does it lock and unlock in the proper positions, etc. Regards, Gary....

[Frank P.]

Re: '57 Seat Partition Lock-Function Judged

You can have your lock made to work with your ignition key, or purchase a new correct lock set that will work with your ignition key. Talk to Jesser's Classic Keys, they advertize in the driveline. They are very knowledgeable.