Topic: key stuck in lock
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Former Member
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Los Angeles, CA - USA
Joined: 1/27/2005
Posts: 260
Vette(s): 1972 elkhart green T-Top, New paint, one previous owner, 370hp/350, hookers/flowMasters. Original PW,PS,PB,AC. All docs.
Not sure why, but today when I unlocked the Vette the key remained
(stuck) in the unlocked (in the lock sideways) position. FROZEN! I pulled
the door panel off, dropped the plastic lock guard but can't squeeze my
hand in far enough to disconnect and pull the lock to inspect it....
-Has this happened to anyone else? And how did you fix it? Thanks!!!!!
(stuck) in the unlocked (in the lock sideways) position. FROZEN! I pulled
the door panel off, dropped the plastic lock guard but can't squeeze my
hand in far enough to disconnect and pull the lock to inspect it....
-Has this happened to anyone else? And how did you fix it? Thanks!!!!!
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
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
An #8 ball peen works really well! 
I also have larger hands than the people @ GM. I have to use a long, flat screwdriver to pull the clip off of the lock cyl. Then I have to use tape to stick the clip to the screwdriver to replace it. Just be vewwy, vewwy cawful, you don't want to add 'Astro ventelation' to your doors! If you have some long needle nose pliers, you can get the clip off with them, also.
Have you tried to spray some lubricant into the keyway on the lock, or is it the doorlock mechanism that is the problem, you think? Either way, I hope you get it figured out & fixed!
I also have larger hands than the people @ GM. I have to use a long, flat screwdriver to pull the clip off of the lock cyl. Then I have to use tape to stick the clip to the screwdriver to replace it. Just be vewwy, vewwy cawful, you don't want to add 'Astro ventelation' to your doors! If you have some long needle nose pliers, you can get the clip off with them, also.
Have you tried to spray some lubricant into the keyway on the lock, or is it the doorlock mechanism that is the problem, you think? Either way, I hope you get it figured out & fixed!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Former Member
Send PM
Los Angeles, CA - USA
Joined: 1/27/2005
Posts: 260
Vette(s): 1972 elkhart green T-Top, New paint, one previous owner, 370hp/350, hookers/flowMasters. Original PW,PS,PB,AC. All docs.
Many thanks, I'll try the above today. It seems like the lock cylindar has
frozen up (I've soaked every part in lubricant), but I won't know for sure
until I pull the pin and pop it out. Thanks for the tips, and I'll be sure to
watch out for that $$$ glass!
frozen up (I've soaked every part in lubricant), but I won't know for sure
until I pull the pin and pop it out. Thanks for the tips, and I'll be sure to
watch out for that $$$ glass!
in Forum: C3 Interior
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