Key problem

[Scott F.]

So here is my problem! When I bought the car it only came with an ignition key so I called a locksmith friend and took him a lock out of the rear storage compartments and he made a key for it but it only works on that compartment. I am trying to figure out what I need to do for the spare carrier lock, gas cap (which is stuck on the car), alarm and door key? Also trying to figure out if the gas cap is stock or aftermarket?



Thanks!
Scott

[Edward J.]

Re: Key problem

Scott, The gas cap would not be coded to one of the original keys that I remember, GM did have locking caps, but they were not coded with the original keys. as for the spare tire lock the glove box key should be the same key for tire lock. Did you try some penetrant in the lock cylinder in case some tumblers are stuck?

[Scott F.]

Re: Key problem

I did not try penetrating oil yet but will this evening. How about the alarm key any info on that and the key for the rear storage lid doesn't unlock the doors either. Wondering if those locks may have been all changed....
Thanks
Scott

[Scott F.]

Re: Key problem

Locksmith said he couldn't make a key for the gas cap so I guess I will have to damage it to get it off. Bummer!

[Edward J.]

Re: Key problem

Scott what year is the car? alarm keys change for C3 cars around mid 70 I believe.

[Scott F.]

Re: Key problem

My car is a 1973.
Thanks
Scott

[Brian M.]

Re: Key problem

I think with a little manipulation you can get that cap off.

[Scott F.]

Re: Key problem

Hey Brian, do you know if it would be original to the car? If it is I would certainly want to try and save it of not, I will get it off however not damaging the tank and get a correct one.
Thanks
Scott

[Kurt G.]

Re: Key problem

Gas cap is not original. Refer to the TIM&JG. Also, the inside compartment, spare tire lock and alarm should all be the same key. Try the ignition key in the doors. That should work there. Good luck Scott.

[Scott F.]

Re: Key problem

Thanks Kurt,
I just checked and the ignition key does work on the doors, the compartment key does not work on the alarm or the spare lock but does unlock the compartment. I am waiting for TIM&JG to come in the mail.
Thanks
Scott

[Steven B.]

Re: Key problem

Scott, I have 2 gas caps exactly like yours. One I bought from my Chevy dealer in late '76 for my '77. They were OTC parts and dealer installed, not factory. The second cap I bought a couple of years later for my '78. Same thing. They also sold this exact cap in some auto parts stores. Try pushing down and turning. I did that a lot when I did not want to get my key out. Steve

[Scott F.]

Re: Key problem

Hey Steve, I will give that a shot!
Thank
Scott

[Jim T.]

Re: Key problem

Scott the gas cap on your car is over the counter purchase. I have bought them from GM for my 68 and 70.
Terry M. knows a procedure to remove your gas cap without damaging it. You can send him a e-mail if he does not see your post right away. Another option that can be used is remove the rubber around the cap and remove the screws retaining the filler neck. Press in the retaining clips/levers to release the cap. A new filler neck gasket will be needed. Torque to tighten the filler screws is inch pounds. I would have to look up the inch pounds. Terry M. told me what he used to remove the locking gas cap but I do not want to mention it here.

[Kurt G.]

Re: Key problem

Scott, I'm guessing ther is a good possibility the compartment lock may have been changed along the way sometime. Ther are several options you have, one being to take all three locks to a locksmith and have them all keyed the same with the original round key you have. Then, have another set of keys cut to match. I did some digging around the local lock shops, knowing the ones that have been in business a long time. Found one guy who talked my leg off, but he had a correct set of key blanks, including the knock-outs. He read the codes on my original keys, cut the new keys and stamped the blanks with the proper codes. Took about 6 months but hey, only killed some time I would have wasted anyway.

[Scott F.]

Re: Key problem

The problem I have Kurt is I don't have an original key, a locksmith mad
e me a key for the compartment and it only fits the the compartment.
Scott