Bedside tool box with no key

[Red71gmc]

I have looked over the threads and seen this brought up before but didn't find any answers yet.
I have a locked bedside toolbox with no key. I thought about drilling it out but the locks are not apparently available for replacement. Any experience would be appreciated.
My door is very far gone with rust and I'm sure I will be in need of one and at least one hinge from what I can tell with door still closed.
This is on a very original 72 Sierra Grande that I will be doing a complete restoration on and a hate to loose that option as the truck is loaded with options.

[jocko]

If you haven't done so, recommend PM member LockDoc.

[AussieinNC]

There are various styles of lockbox locks available...try looking on amazon first to check if the style is available...

lockdoc may have better suggestions, but it may be a drill it out and look for replacement...

Some of these locks are retained by a simple thin steel wave plate that can be bypassed by jemmying on the lock itself....

Post a pic of the lock for us to review...

[hjewell2]

if there is a number that you can see on the lock core , that would be the key code and a locksmith can cut you a key by that code.

[rpmerf]

A good locksmith should be able to pick it. Once it is open, you should be able to remove the lock cylinder and have the locksmith make up a new key for it.

[Shinysideup]

Originally Posted by rpmerf

A good locksmith should be able to pick it. Once it is open, you should be able to remove the lock cylinder and have the locksmith make up a new key for it.

X2 ,quite easy.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Red71gmc

I have looked over the threads and seen this brought up before but didn't find any answers yet.
I have a locked bedside toolbox with no key. I thought about drilling it out but the locks are not apparently available for replacement. Any experience would be appreciated.
My door is very far gone with rust and I'm sure I will be in need of one and at least one hinge from what I can tell with door still closed.
This is on a very original 72 Sierra Grande that I will be doing a complete restoration on and a hate to loose that option as the truck is loaded with options.

You are pretty much out of luck on it if you don't have the key. Be sure and spray the inside of the lock with a good penetrating oil and try your ignition key. Insert and remove it a few times to loosen up the tumblers. If the key will slide into the lock it may work. (don't force it) Even if you can get to the latch you can't retract it because the locking system has a dead latch that keeps the latch bolt from retracting until the key is turned to the unlocked position. Like Auissie said there is a spring clip that holds the lock cylinder in the door. If you could get to that and slide it off, the lock cylinder will come out. (See picture below) If you go that route be sure and spray the clip before trying to remove it.

In the picture the lock is in the unlocked position. When locked the tab turns and blocks the lock bolt so it can't be retracted when the handle is pulled.

Originally Posted by rpmerf

A good locksmith should be able to pick it. Once it is open, you should be able to remove the lock cylinder and have the locksmith make up a new key for it.

GM sidebar lock cylinders (1935 and up) are almost impossible to pick. I have been a Locksmith since 1977, specializing in antique autos and motorcycles and I can count on one hand how many GM sidebar locks I have been able to pick, and that was because they were almost completely worn out. If there is a code number on the lock case that would make it easy, but you have to have the cylinder removed to see that.

Originally Posted by Shinysideup

X2 ,quite easy.

See above....

LockDoc

[tdangle]

If the door is gone anyway, maybe it makes sense to cut the door open to try and save the lock assembly. Just a thought.

[KJSR]

Originally Posted by tdangle

If the door is gone anyway, maybe it makes sense to cut the door open to try and save the lock assembly. Just a thought.

Great advice....I was thinking the same thing

[Red71gmc]

Thanks LockDoc. That's what I needed to know.
Tdangle you have a good point. I believe that would be the best angle to take. Try and save the latch and lock and replace the door. The bottom of the door is badly deteriorated with rust so I can probably just cut around the hinges.

[Red71gmc]

062500hd, if you have access to a new setup pm me. Thanks

[tdangle]

Not to hijack this thread, but is it possible to have all locks using only 1 key? I have the original key for the toolbox, a new square head key for the ignition and new round head keys for the door locks.

[Red71gmc]

Originally Posted by tdangle

Not to hijack this thread, but is it possible to have all locks using only 1 key? I have the original key for the toolbox, a new square head key for the ignition and new round head keys for the door locks.

LockDoc would be your guy on that.
I have a 71 with different keys for the ignition and door locks. This 72 has the same key for the ignition and door locks but does not work for toolbox.
What I have read from the different threads, some of the toolbox keys are the same as ignition and others aren't.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by tdangle

Not to hijack this thread, but is it possible to have all locks using only 1 key? I have the original key for the toolbox, a new square head key for the ignition and new round head keys for the door locks.

The doors and ignition were keyed the same on all '67-'72 GM trucks, from the factory. The glove boxes and tool box doors may or may not match the other locks....

PM sent.

LockDoc

[Custom/20]

Since the bed side tool box liner is fiberglass you could drill a hole on the bottom or the side and use a large screw driver or pick to knock the clip out to release the lock cylinder. just put pop in a hole plug once you're done. just a idea.