keys have a ? 1972

[Denny J.]

I have 72 original never touched with a "B" round keys doors,alarm,glove box spaire tire lock .And a "C" square key for starter.The book says "D" and "C" Will the B & C pass judging. The "B" key is for 1971 and how did the factory put this on my car? Is this something I tell the judge before judging.

[Denny J.]

Re: keys have a ? 1972

sorry not the doors thats the "C" key

[Chuck S.]

Re: keys have a ? 1972

Unless it's a KNOWN anomaly that some 72s have late 71 locks on them (I haven't heard of this, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happened), your car will be judged per the TIM&JG. Volunteering your key to the judges won't change the outcome; their job is to see what they need to see to judge what they see.

If it's NOT a well-known anomaly, then you can either:

(1) Have documentation from original owner, or original factory evidence of some type that the late 71 locks came on the car. The key knock-out plugs would be evidence of originality, but is probably not conclusive in this case.

(2) Or...change out the locks to bring the car into the cmpliance with the TIM&JG. Judging point analysis may help in this case; basically you decide if the likely deduction is worth the investment to make the change...dollars/point. It's better to build a strong car with cheap points, so you can forego some of the expensive points.

I personally would leave the locks like they are and take my chances. JMHO.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: keys have a ? 1972

Two questions:
1. How do you know it is never touched?
2. what is the serial number? Early enough to be a leftover from 71?

As suggested, I wouldn't change it.

[Kent K.]

Re: keys have a ? 1972

If all previous owners have stated verbally to you that they never changed the locks, I would leave it as is and proudly take the hit with some obvious discussion with the judges. However, if you have documented evidence of some sort that the locks are as assembled on the line, discussions may lead to the team leader. If changing something I know is original to my Corvette just to satisfy the TIM&JG and earn a few more points, I'll forgo the points for self satisfaction knowing my Corvette was as assembled. Hope this makes sense.
Kent #6201

[Denny J.]

Re: keys have a ? 1972

could the top paint person tell if the lock was never taken off? Serial number very end of 72 How do I know it was never touched It's thing you can just tell by the condition of all parts.

[Dick W.]

Re: keys have a ? 1972

Those codes will NOT pass judging on this late a car. We have a 3,300 VIN '72 with the correct locks and two in the shop with later VIN's that have the correct locks.

[Gary B.]

Keys have a ? 1972

Denny,

Does the spare tire lock have a "B" and a "1" on the bottom or a "B" and a "2"? That might indicate if the spare tire lock is not original.

Gary

[Chuck S.]

Eh Oh...Serial Number Very END of 72??...

I thought this was a very EARLY 72. If it's a late 72, I agree with Dickie, the locks ain't going to fly...highly doubtful they were installed in St. Louis. Denny, I know I said that an owner would never bother changing ALL the locks, but if he was a "particularly picky" owner, and he had an available donor 71, he might.

As far as the swap having any residual effect on the paint...highly unlikey. It would be easy to do if you had the locks available as on a wrecked donor car, and the swap would not leave a trace if the person was careful. If you ever have the opportunity to examine the back end of the door lock cylinders, I believe there is a date oode stamped on the door locks. I expect they will be dated into 71, but it would be interesting to see if they are later replacements.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Keys have a ? 1972

Denny
For flight judging the hit for the key code would not be too bad but for a PV you will need the keys the team leader wants to see or you will fail before you get started. It's your choice for the first judging but if a Duntov is what you seek I would match the TI&JG it will be alot eaiser than trying to change the rules as you will need to find lots of original examples like your keyways. Keyways were changed on lots of Corvettes as ownership changed and for many other reasons.

Lyle