Making Keys For The 55-59 Chevy Trucks

[LockDoc]

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This "How To" is for the guys & gals that have a door handle with a lock for their 1955-1959 Chevy truck but no key. It is pretty straight forward but I have had a couple of people ask me how to get a key cut for them.. First thing you have to do is remove the handle assembly from your door (if it isn't already out). (picture 1) To remove the lock cylinder assembly push down on the top spring cup and remove the snap ring. (picture 2) Then slide the spring assembly out making sure to keep the parts in order. (picture 3) If you will notice the spring cups are different on each end of the spring. After you have the spring assembly out slide the lock cylinder and shaft out. You don't have to worry too much about this as it will only go back in one way…. On the cast piece just below the chrome cap you should find a code number stamped. (picture 4) A good full service locksmith should be able to cut you a key from that code number that will fit the lock. It should also fit the ignition lock and glove box lock if none of the locks have been changed or replaced. I can't guarantee there will be a code number on every lock, but if there isn't, a full service locksmith can remove the chrome cap and make a key by "reading" the wafers in the cylinder.. If you can't find anyone in your area to cut a key from the code # or by reading the wafers let me know.

LockDoc

[Rambow]

Good info! funny timing! I had dug up the same info (without the nice pics) and just stopped by an old school locksmith today to have him cut me a key. fingers crossed it will work in the ignition!!

Keys for this truck were lost 20+ years ago- previous owner had rigged up a switch under the dash spliced into the ignition wires to bypass it.

[MARTINSR]

GREAT INFO!

Thanks so much for posting this. It's great stuff that very few people know much about anymore and you are helping a lot of guys.

Brian

[Rambow]

My key worked!!!!

[DransportGarage]

Nice, professional how-to, LockDoc!

[1project2many]

I had a friend with a ring of 66 master keys that fit a number of old GM vehicles. The ring came in a box of stuff from an old GM dealership. Match up the key then get a copy.

Here in NH it's considered a major violation to be in possession of a master key.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Rambow

Good info! funny timing! I had dug up the same info (without the nice pics) and just stopped by an old school locksmith today to have him cut me a key. fingers crossed it will work in the ignition!!

Keys for this truck were lost 20+ years ago- previous owner had rigged up a switch under the dash spliced into the ignition wires to bypass it.

Glad to hear your key worked Ben....

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

GREAT INFO!

Thanks so much for posting this. It's great stuff that very few people know much about anymore and you are helping a lot of guys.

Brian

Thanks Brian.

Originally Posted by DransportGarage

Nice, professional how-to, LockDoc!

Thanks Bob.

Originally Posted by 1project2many

I had a friend with a ring of 66 master keys that fit a number of old GM vehicles. The ring came in a box of stuff from an old GM dealership. Match up the key then get a copy.

Here in NH it's considered a major violation to be in possession of a master key.

I have a set of those also. They are actually called "tryout keys" and all of the cuts in the keys are half way between the actual factory key depths. They are only supposed to be used to remove the lock cylinder, then you are supposed to cut a key from the code number on the lock. The tryout keys should not be duplicated since they are not the actual cuts for the lock, even though they happen to open it..

LockDoc

[OrrieG]

In the 70's I worked at a gas station/ garage near the airport. We got a lot of lock out calls from people coming back to town. The boss had a metal box with a bunch of master keys for all makes, in two years never recall one not working. I have kept copies of all the car keys I ever had and some opened other rigs. My dad has two old coffee cans full of them too. including a ring of old skeleton house and furniture keys.

[DransportGarage]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

<snip> I have a set of those also. They are actually called "tryout keys" and all of the cuts in the keys are half way between the actual factory key depths. <snip>

That explains why my '55 Belair key needs to be pulled out a little and "jiggled" to work! Maybe now I'll pop open a lock, get the number and get a real key...

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by DransportGarage

That explains why my '55 Belair key needs to be pulled out a little and "jiggled" to work! Maybe now I'll pop open a lock, get the number and get a real key...

That would cure your problem with it....

LockDoc

[1project2many]

I have a set of those also. They are actually called "tryout keys" and all of the cuts in the keys are half way between the actual factory key depths. They are only supposed to be used to remove the lock cylinder, then you are supposed to cut a key from the code number on the lock.

That's interesting. The keys I made years ago still work perfectly in my truck but with this new information I'm going to chalk it up to good luck.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

That's interesting. The keys I made years ago still work perfectly in my truck but with this new information I'm going to chalk it up to good luck.

Yes, if the lock is worn the tryout keys will sometimes operate them as smooth as the original key. Glad you got lucky on yours....

LockDoc

[Fleet '66]

Good information LockDoc. Thanks for posting this.

Funny story: Years ago I had a 55 stepside and my cousin had a 57 stepside. One day I discovered that my key would unlock and also work in his ignition. I used to mess with him when he parked his truck in the local business parking lots by moving it several spaces or on the other side of the lot. After doing this multiple times I finally told him that my my key worked in his lock.

[LockDoc]

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I thought I would bump this back to the top just for grins.

LockDoc
'

[mr48chev]

Great info for the push button brigade.

I can't find the photo of the 47/51 door lock code on the cylinder but I have the how to pop the lock out of the door tutorial on my photobucket page and the code is easy to find on the cylinder.

https://app.photobucket.com/u/mr48ch...4-736a87f98af4

I'll put taking some new photos and adding them to the album on my list for tomorrow.