Wrecker Keys and help

[ecdc]

We, on sort of a whim, bought a 1970 C30 Wrecker and are working through the registration process. Actually we were interested in the winch for projects in building a camp especially raising a wind tower. It also comes with a plow. None of us are truck drivers and so it is an adventure. After were done, we will pass the truck onto someone else.It did not come with any books so any help we can get is welcome. It also came with only one key, and all the copies we have had made (including one by a Chevy dealer) have not worked. Anyone have information as to how to proceed here? How does one find the msrp on the vehicle? (for excise tax). Thank you for your help. The board sounds like fun.

[Yukon Jack]

Might be best to just switch out to a new ignition key cylinder or go to a locksmith and let them get a key that works.

This is a great place to get questions answered, heck I bet you can sell the truck here easy enough when you are done with it.

What area are you at?

[ecdc]

We live in MA, the truck will be housed in ME. The truck came with a plow as well as the tow package. Insurance was more than the truck.Thanks for the suggestion of the new cylinder. That may indeed be the best route.

[Brainchild]

A lot of times the ne clyinder is cheaper than a locksmith,and quite a bit quicker too.

Welcome to the boards

[71swb4x4]

I suggest the cylinder too. You will be amazed at how easy it is. Kind of scary.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

What letter is stamped on the key? My original ones have J stamped on the side. Does the key go in and turn, or just go in and not turn? If they're not the right cut the key won't work.

[biglou55]

I have had new keys that i had to take a small file and sandpaper toand take off the rough edges off so that they would work. what part of mass are you in i am in greenfield. good luck with your keys.

[jimfulco]

Give them a few light scrapes with a pocket knife (just enough to break the sharp edges & smooth them a bit) and see if they work.

[ecdc]

Originally Posted by Robert1970C20rstbukt

What letter is stamped on the key? My original ones have J stamped on the side. Does the key go in and turn, or just go in and not turn? If they're not the right cut the key won't work.

The key is stamped B48-A. The key goes in but won't turn

[Blue Beard]

Worn keys can be a blessing or a curse.

Best bet is the new ignition. When stores try to copy a key you need to keep in mind that they are only copying what you have and that's a problem.

I used to do locksmith work. Had one machine that had a micrometer on her. This allowed me to take old keys add 15 thousands back onto the key and slowly work with it to get a good key.

[ecdc]

Oh yeah, we live in Reading. Neighbors were pretty good about their reactions - One wants it. Needs work, but we paid $400 and runs more or less so it was worth the risk. Makes a bit of noise (Exhaust work), is "air conditioned" (body work), just bought a battery, now if the lights will work (worked last night but not tonight) we can drive it to Maine. My husband was not exactly keen on this project - cause he wants us to get a 4x4 pick up. Maybe for XMAS. If we found another at that price - why not?

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Try looking at the dimmer switch wire connector on the floorboard. Pull the headlight knob in the on position while you wiggle the wire connector on the dimmer switch. If that doesn't work, check the fuse for the headlights. Next thing to do is see if the headlights are actually any good.

As for the key problem, I had the same deal. Mine had B48A stamped on it and it would go in, but didn't turn. It was the right key blank, it just wasn't made right. It sounds like your key isn't cut right either. Just buy a new lock cylinder, they come with two new keys and they're pretty cheap. You should be able to get a new lock cylinder from AutoZone, you might wanna check it out.