Lost ignition key, best solution?

[SteelyDan]

Hey Friends,


Somehow, someway, the ignition key to Steely was lost. Whats the best solution to replace it? Is it relatively simple to replace the tumbler? In my experience working on some older vehicles, the wires going to the tumbler are armored with steel.

Any help is much appreciated!

Cheers!

[jdalrymple]

Call a good locksmith.

Some can make a key without an original......

A call to Jackson Center with the VIN might yield a key code? A long shot no doubt, but you never know.

JD

[Mike Leary]

I would vote for the locksmith. I have spare keys, but looking under a microscope, I see no numbers. You do NOT want to get into the rat's nest! If all else fails, I'll be glad to send you one of my spare keys, who knows? It may fit!

[ScrapIrony-2]

Locksmith...Mike L is absolutely correct about the rat's nest...I pulled my dash loose just enough to realize what a tangle is back there(and the wires are a very thin gauge), and very carefully reinstalled the dash...we used a locksmith familiar with older mohos...m

[DaveFL]

I would take a flashlight check all the places you or PO hid a spare(all outside storage).

I found one in the Generator compartment after owning about two years :-)
Good Luck,
Dave

[GCinSC2]

The following information may or may not help.

I lost the key on an older pickup this year. Went to the trouble underscore trouble of removing ignition tumbler. Took tumbler to local locksmith, they said can do. Picked up new key, it sorta worked. Tried it and just decided, nope not good enough.

NEW IDEA, remove the door lock, very easy to do compared to ignition tumbler. Took key and door lock back, locksmith smiled said this is a cinch now. With the ignition tumbler, they had to "feel" the pins and make the key, with the door cylinder they could take it apart easily and make the key. They missed by one position on first try, nailed 2nd try.

Your results may be different.

Good luck.

[SteelyDan]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll find a good locksmith.

[Keyair]

It is a Chevy square headed standard style key.

The barrel has a code number on it, but need the key to turn it to position two, then use a pin or wire to release the barrel..

I heard that if you take the VIN number and proof of ownership that your Chevy dealer can order you a key... assuming that the ignition lock is the original. Call them... worth a try!
I did this with my 1984 Mercedes, and it was a slamdunk!

[crazeevw]

Practically any locksmith will have a book of codes from all manufacturers. With you VIN number (Chevy, not the Airstream) contact local locksmith. Hope by the time you read this, you've been able to obtain your new key. Then, GO MAKE LOTSA copies......
Thanks, Derek