Hatch Handle

[Mr Banshee]

Hello all I just recently joined this site and have found it to be a wealth of information. I have a 1972 Blazer that is in need of a complete resto. For the time being I have been fixing areas of the truck to make it somewhat road worthy just to toy around. Currently working on the rear hatch deriggin it that was held closed with tie downs. Repairing hinges and locating missing parts for it to become operational. One of the problems is the hatch handle; it doesn’t have a key to it and is in poor shape. I’ve read some information on here but have a question how to determine if this an OE piece or just a run of the mill handle from a pickup topper or garage door. I’ve units on Ebay that claim there NOS pieces but show keys with them that look like garage door keys. I’ve found information on this site that GM used the ignition and door keys to operate these locks which contradicts Ebay’s pieces. So is there an easy method to determine what type of handle you have and what type of key should it use?

Thanks, Mike

[68panelman]

The best thing would post a pic of what you have. My 1970 Blazer hatch is the same key as the ignition. I believe you can use the guts from a garage door to have a working key, Maybe thats what sellers are doing on e-bay?

[LockDoc]

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Check out post #13 by D.PASSMORE in this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=503101

It has some good pictures of an original handle...

LockDoc

[pound41]

The door/ign/ and hatch key were all one originally. If it has a garage door key it is not and original. Unless you are restoring a show piece a $10 garage door handle from Home depot will work

[Mr Banshee]

I got my handle off this evening and from the information you guys gave, it looks like I have a run of the mill garage door handle or possibly a handle of a pickup cap. Everything I've found on this site including what you guys stated is the ignition key/door key operates the hatch lock. Here's a listing on Ebay claiming an NOS piece but from the photo of the key design this contradicts this piece. http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVROLET-K5...866b49&vxp=mtr

Thanks guys for the info.................

[Dale99]

I noticed that same ebay auction today. I just dont trust it

[LockDoc]

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I don't think that is a GM piece. Definitely not the correct keyway. Also, originals were not nickle plated, they were chrome. Do the original handles have a part number cast into them anywhere? I have seen handles like that on large metal storage cabinets. It may work fine on a hatch, I don't know.

LockDoc