Topic: Keys
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Former Member
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Phoenix, AZ - USA
Joined: 6/12/2011
Posts: 139
Vette(s): 1982 corvette crossfire production numer C5101985. Color is silver and claret. All original numbers match. slight mods to crossfire for better efficiancy and power balanced and added fuel pressure assembly between throttle bodies,
I am trying to find out which set of keys work with my 82. I do not have the original set thus is the problem.
I called the local dealer and they dont have any, I spoke with local locksmiths same answer. I spoke with GM with my vin number, and they refered me to a dealer in my state that would need to remove ignition cylander, 30.00 cost- keys are 10 to 100 each, not including having them cut nor including the labor charge.
I never in my life thought I would have issues getting a spare set of keys for my car.
any ideas??
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Do you not have a set of keys at all?
If you have no keys period, You can remove the lock from the rear storage compartment(or one of the doors), and remove the ignition key cylinder from the steering column, and take them to a locksmith. They can make keys from the locks. Last time I had a set made like that it was $20, + $2-$3 for the key blanks.
A good locksmith could come to you, and make a set of keys on the spot, but that will definitely cost more, obviously.
If you have no keys period, You can remove the lock from the rear storage compartment(or one of the doors), and remove the ignition key cylinder from the steering column, and take them to a locksmith. They can make keys from the locks. Last time I had a set made like that it was $20, + $2-$3 for the key blanks.
A good locksmith could come to you, and make a set of keys on the spot, but that will definitely cost more, obviously.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I'm not sure if the question is directed this way, but I wanted a new set of keys to replace my worn out GM originals. And I didn't want the "Fits GM cars" type that locksmiths and hardware stores carry - I wanted a set of real GM blanks. All the major vendors carry them, I believe. There are different letters stamped on the shank for both the square and oval keys that correspond to certain years. According to Corvette Central's catalog, you would want a "J" square key and a "K" oval key as those ones fit years 70,74,78, and 82. Once you get the key blanks you can take them to a locksmith and they'll cut them to match existing keys, assuming you still have some. And if you don't have any keys, bring them the ignition lock cylinder so they can match the square key to it and another cylinder that they can match the oval key to - as Joel says.
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
Former Member
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Phoenix, AZ - USA
Joined: 6/12/2011
Posts: 139
Vette(s): 1982 corvette crossfire production numer C5101985. Color is silver and claret. All original numbers match. slight mods to crossfire for better efficiancy and power balanced and added fuel pressure assembly between throttle bodies,
I have a set but they are getting pretty worn out. What i didnt know is which key blanks fit my car. due to the different code letters on them such as J and K
I called my local dealer and they said they didnt have any. I wanted a set that was not access+ like the ones i have i wanted to locate original gm keys blanks for it.
once i researched it and after this post i managed to search the access+ keys and found a page that matches the 11r and 7r key numbers to the J and the K
I found original gm keys at a neighboring city's chevy dealer that they have in stock. I found multiple on ebay but the local guys at the neighboring city the dealer's owner is also the founder of Snake River Corvette club.
So in a nut shell I located proper key blanks to replace the worn out access+ keys and they are GM so the more original and not aftermarket cheap stuff i figure would last longer in the long run
thanks for the input though its very helpful
ok...just have to tell you my key story. In 89, I had just gotten my 76 and went to a dealer for some misc. items, when the door key broke off and I could not find the missing end. I went in side and the desk clerk ask one of the older sales men what he could do? He looked at my stub, went and got a bland, and then used a hand held key cutter. The key he cut still works perfect to this day, I wish I knew, how he knew what the cut was...he laughed and would not tell me. LOL
Try this guy: http://www.key-men.com/shopping/show_cat.php
They have made keys to fit my old motorcycles just off the numbers...and they work!
|UPDATED|3/27/2014 7:24:06 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Only 34 years together
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
nextdoor76 said:
ok...just have to tell you my key story. In 89, I had just gotten my 76 and went to a dealer for some misc. items, when the door key broke off and I could not find the missing end. I went in side and the desk clerk ask one of the older sales men what he could do? He looked at my stub, went and got a bland, and then used a hand held key cutter. The key he cut still works perfect to this day, I wish I knew, how he knew what the cut was...he laughed and would not tell me. LOL
There IS a way to cut a "master" key....highly illegal in most cases.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Former Member
Send PM
Phoenix, AZ - USA
Joined: 6/12/2011
Posts: 139
Vette(s): 1982 corvette crossfire production numer C5101985. Color is silver and claret. All original numbers match. slight mods to crossfire for better efficiancy and power balanced and added fuel pressure assembly between throttle bodies,
so I went to that neighboring dealership and they had the keys, guy decided not to cut them from the vin number so i wouldnt waste my funds if the locks have been changed at some point. they traced them from the set i had.
|UPDATED|3/29/2014 4:02:50 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
New sets- Gm keys, yes i bought 2 sets, work better than the "access plus" keys they rotate in the cylinders much smoother.
thank you all for your input. I appreciate it
|UPDATED|3/29/2014 4:02:50 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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