Lost keys!!!

[68gmc_custom]

I recently aquired a 1968 GMC 1500 and the previous owner had lost the keys. is there a way to replace the ignition cylinder without buying a whole new switch? Thanks guys!

[prostreetC-10]

Originally Posted by 68gmc_custom

I recently aquired a 1968 GMC 1500 and the previous owner had lost the keys. is there a way to replace the ignition cylinder without buying a whole new switch? Thanks guys!

I would think that as many of these as I see getting parted out on Craigslist, I'd just get a used assembly with a key.

[rwolf9653]

I think you can because they are seperate units. The only thing I can't remember is if you need the key in the cylinder to get that little spring/ball to turn out of the way. There was just a post relating to this, I will search for it.


Here it is:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=345281

[unclewatts]

Lockdoc, where are you?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by unclewatts

Lockdoc, where are you?

Just turned the computer on...

Take the passenger door lock out and take it to your local locksmith. It should have a code number stamped into the lock case and the locksmith can cut a key from the code number. If none of the locks have been changed the key will fit the ignition.

Here is a picture of the code # location.

LockDoc

[eggofire]

Try the locksmith/passenger lock code combination. If that doesn't work, have the locksmith come to your truck. He should have a key that will fit. Believe it or not, most early keys will fit other vehicles because the factories only used a handfull of lock numbers. I know this to be true on many vehicles.

[sjarrett71]

Or you could drill out the old tumbler and smack it real hard with a punch and hammer. That's how I got mine out. Otherwise call a locksmith.

[pmpski_1]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Just turned the computer on...

Take the passenger door lock out and take it to your local locksmith. It should have a code number stamped into the lock case and the locksmith can cut a key from the code number. If none of the locks have been changed the key will fit the ignition.

Here is a picture of the code # location.

LockDoc

This worked for me!

[mrein3]

Before car keys came with microchips, there was only a few different patterns of keys for each model. The shop I worked at had a jar full of keys that were left behind. When somebody locked their keys in the car we simply took the jar and started going through keys until we got the door open. In all the time I put in there I only had to use the slim-jim once to get in a locked car.

It usually didn't take too long to find one that worked.

Long story short, maybe you have an older service station around that has a similar jar. Find the one that works and ask to borrow it for the time it takes you to get to the hardware store and have a set made.

The LockDoc trick doesn't work on a mutt like mine. When I got my truck the ignition key didn't match the doors and I didn't have a key for the doors. After a couple of years I junked an a-body out and discovered that if you take the door lock out and swap the business end off the lock works with the truck mechanism. Now I got two different keys but at least I can lock the doors.

[mr48chev]

I never throw an old car or truck key away when I get rid of the car. They are all on a bit ring or in the key box in the garage and have saved my bacon more than once. On these trucks quite often an old worn key can be jiggled to get the ignition to turn.