Door keys

[Number21]

I don't have door keys to my '73, so I have to always leave it unlocked. It's been this way for so long I forget why, I got it this way.

I know I can replace the lock cylinders and get new keys but I'm lazy and I don't really want to install them. Is it possible for a locksmith to make me a new key for the the locks I already have, without taking it apart?

[andrewmp6]

A good locksmith should be able to cut a key for the door lock you have now.

[old Rusty C10]

yes they can but it could be pretty costly..upwards of over $100 as opposed to like $12 for door cylinders and an hour labor

[craazy22]

Excuse me, locksmith here, coming through,... Lol, yes true and not true on the above comments. Your key blank is gonna be a Chevy E door Keyway. Locksmiths will charge about 100 bux, it is a lot faster to replace, unless you wanna try to impression the key. Which is what I will do. I can tell you how to if you wanna, very easy. Buy the key blank from your hardware store. It's a very common key blank so it shouldn'tbe hard to get. File down the key like a knife with a fine file. Only on the side where the key cuts will be. Then with some channel locks grab the bow or head of the key and put it in the lock. Soft but firm turn the key clockwise and counter clockwise and shake it slowly up and down. This will leave some marks on the sharp blade like edge you file the key to. With a small rat tail file. File down every where you see a indentation. You can compare your key to the ignition to check for spacing between the kots or indentation. They are normal six on these trucks. Six cuts. It's pretty easy. It takes me about 2 minutes to impression a key. Lmk if you have questions.
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[Corts60]

I'm confused on why it would cost over $100? I took the ignition cylinder out of my '60 suburban (did not have a key for it), brought it to a locksmith and had two keys made for it and paid a grand total of $12 and it was done 4 hours later.

Are the door locks harder to make a key for?

[craazy22]

No, they are easier to do. It's the locksmiths service charge and time you gonna end up paying high on. I normally charge around 55 dollars trip charge and labor and key included. Too much competition in Houston. Lol. But this is really so easy anyone can do this kinda job.
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[RandyP]

Take the lock cylinders out and have them recoded to the ignition key. Carry in to a locksmith shop is a TON cheaper than having them come to you. It is not hard at all to rekey the cylinder if you have the pieces to drop in. I've done it on just about every square I've ever owned, one key is much easier to keep up with.

[wilkin250r]

Is it possible to get the door locks re-coded to the ignition key if they aren't the same kind of key originally?

I'm not sure when the years changed, but my particular year has two different kinds of keys for the ignition and doors. I can understand if it is just the tumblers inside, that's simple, I could almost do that myself. But how would the locksmith change the slots that run along the length of the key?

I would LOVE to have the same key for the door and ignition.

What if I buy new door locks, designed for a square ignition key? I'm open to that option, but where would I look? Last I checked from LMC, the door locks were all made for the round key, not the square ignition key.

[RandyP]

You just change the tumblers..... The keys have the same "groove" from ignition and door cylinder.

[craazy22]

Randyp is correct, same key way on bboth
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[Number21]

Thanks for the information guys. What would I need to do to pull the lock cylinders? Take off the interior door panel?

One key would be nice, I already have like 8 old GM keys to keep track of...they all look alike!

[gchemist]

Install electric locks! Problem solved!!