Lost Keys - What are my options?

[68Formula]

Ok, so finally getting close to getting it back on the road after a one year hiatus. Cannot find any sets of keys anywhere! Only able to locate one spare Ignition/Door key. Hopefully it's good enough to make spares from.

So what are my options for the trunk/glovebox?

• Can a locksmith make spares without one to cut from?
• If I go to a GM dealer with a VIN off a 40+ year old car is there any hope they can order a new one be cut?
• If I have to replace the cylinder locks, where do I get new ones? And what's the simplest way to get into the trunk without damaging it?

[Motorcitydak]

First thing I would suggest is to call a local locksmith and ask them. You should be able to bring them your ignition cylinder or door lock

[makoshark]

Maybe a locksmith can help, I don't know. You can replace the cylinders quite easily though. Many of the parts houses will have what you need. As for the trunk lock, you can access it reaching through from the interior compartment. However, you'll have to remove your back seat. I've had to do this with my current car. When I bought it, they did not have the trunk key. You can do the same with the glove box lock, reach from the back side of the dash.

[MrQuick]

Pop out your glove box lock and bring it to a smith. He can make a working key by counting the tumblers. Might cost you $15 bucks. Use that key to open the trunk, assuming its the same

[BuzzKillian]

I would not count on the glove box cylinder matching your trunk. I have an original and a new lock cylinder for my Glove Box, and the new key opens both. It might be a coincidence... but I doubt it. Somtimes mfgs.make locks like the Glove Box universal, meaning you need a key, just not a specific key. LOL

[MrQuick]

ahhh its worth a try. When I had 10 chevy's I was at Price club and an old lady locked her self out of her Monte Carlo and was pretty upset. Happen to have my key ring in my truck. She asked me if I knew how to jimmy a lock so I tried the keys I had and one matched perfectly, opened her door. Everythings possible Buzzkill. LOL Come on its a 68 Firebird.

I couldn't fit through the rear seat supports so I grabbed all my extensions, a ratchet and a 7/16" socket. Removed all the trunk latch bolts an the trunk popped open. Pretty easy.

[EFI69Cam]

The orginal key configuration on the 68 and 69 GMs was that the ignition key would unlock the doors and the other key was glovebox, trunk and any other lock.

Sometime later it became ignition key only, and the trunk and glove box used the door key.

[68Formula]

The orginal key configuration on the 68 and 69 GMs was that the ignition key would unlock the doors and the other key was glovebox, trunk and any other lock.

Sometime later it became ignition key only, and the trunk and glove box used the door key.

Correct!

And after several more hours and searching every crevice, I located the original set. Immediately had two more sets made, and now the originals are chained to a brick, LOL!

Thanks everyone!

[SLO_Z28]

To anyone searching this thread in the future, go buy a blank key and light a candle and let the flame blacken the key, then stick the key in and try and start. You can see where the tumblers are hitting then just cut that part away. This is called impressioning for anyone interested in reading more online about it.

[MrQuick]

ah, thats supposed to be a trade secret.

[JEFFTATE]

Good info .
Thanks .