C1 keys

[Michael L.]

It has been so long since the '55 was running ( 25 years) I lost my keys. Ordered blanks, hex is ignition, round is trunk correct?

Thanks, Mike

[Gary B.]

C1 keys; octagonal was the only one

Mike,

For 1953 thru 1964 Corvettes, there was only one style of key, the octagonal key. The secondary, round key for Corvettes came into existence in 1965.

Gary

[Gary B.]

C1 keys; octagonal was the only one

Mike,

For 1953 thru 1964 Corvettes, there was only one style of key, the octagonal key. The secondary, round key for Corvettes came into existence in 1965.

Gary

[John D.]

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[John D.]

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[Roy B.]

Re: C1 keys; octagonal was the only one

John when I posted that dealer give away key I mentioned GM used brass keys, is NCRS saying it's wrong?

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 keys; octagonal was the only one

John when I posted that dealer give away key I mentioned GM used brass keys, is NCRS saying it's wrong?

[Peter L.]

Re: C1 keys; octagonal was the only one

Roy - Sometime in the 50s probably early 50s or late 40s there were brass, .e unplated, GM/Briggs & Stratton logo head octagon head keys without the Registered Trademark "R" under the B&S logo, then in the later 50s maybe mid 50s the same key w/o the R appeared but it was nickel plated, then around calendar year 1963 the same basic design octagon head nickel plated key with the Registered Trademark "R" under the B&S logo appeared. Please note the year/time period designation are "wags."

The round head key as GM calls it (looks more like a pear shape to me) has been around most of the time and followed the same basic key head logo and plating transitions but it was most commonly used with GM accessory locks.

So while factory installed locks like those for the ignition, doors typically came with the octagon head key, owners could in fact have a round head key made for use in the locks because both the pre-196 octagon and round head keys were the same keyway.

Pete

[Peter L.]

Re: C1 keys; octagonal was the only one

Roy - Sometime in the 50s probably early 50s or late 40s there were brass, .e unplated, GM/Briggs & Stratton logo head octagon head keys without the Registered Trademark "R" under the B&S logo, then in the later 50s maybe mid 50s the same key w/o the R appeared but it was nickel plated, then around calendar year 1963 the same basic design octagon head nickel plated key with the Registered Trademark "R" under the B&S logo appeared. Please note the year/time period designation are "wags."

The round head key as GM calls it (looks more like a pear shape to me) has been around most of the time and followed the same basic key head logo and plating transitions but it was most commonly used with GM accessory locks.

So while factory installed locks like those for the ignition, doors typically came with the octagon head key, owners could in fact have a round head key made for use in the locks because both the pre-196 octagon and round head keys were the same keyway.

Pete

[Roy B.]

Peter great info could 53-55? thanks *NM*

[Roy B.]

Peter great info could 53-55? thanks *NM*

[Peter L.]

Re: Peter great info could 53-55? thanks

Roy - Excellent question. When Gary and I worked on the key article and associated question about the size of the hole in the key KNOCK OUTs, I don't recall any response indicating that the original key(s) for their car was a brass key, i.e. unplated; but we didn't ask the question about the plating or lack thereof on their original keys.

So, if there are folks with "original" keys for their 53, 54, and/or 55, please let Roy, Gary or me know if the keys are brass or if they are nickel plated brass. Since the key blank before plating is brass it might be difficult to tell because if the keys were used many time the plating has worn off but it's worth a try, so please check out your 53,54, and 55 keys and let us know. Inquiring minds want to know.

Pete

[Peter L.]

Re: Peter great info could 53-55? thanks

Roy - Excellent question. When Gary and I worked on the key article and associated question about the size of the hole in the key KNOCK OUTs, I don't recall any response indicating that the original key(s) for their car was a brass key, i.e. unplated; but we didn't ask the question about the plating or lack thereof on their original keys.

So, if there are folks with "original" keys for their 53, 54, and/or 55, please let Roy, Gary or me know if the keys are brass or if they are nickel plated brass. Since the key blank before plating is brass it might be difficult to tell because if the keys were used many time the plating has worn off but it's worth a try, so please check out your 53,54, and 55 keys and let us know. Inquiring minds want to know.

Pete

[Roy B.]

Inquiring minds want to know.=that's me *NM*

[Roy B.]

Inquiring minds want to know.=that's me *NM*