Lost door key

[Nigel curry]

Hi all
Another question (sorry) I thought I had two keys for my 76 coupe but it turns out they are both ignition keys,so no door key!! As I haven’t had the car long I thought I’d contact the last owner but no joy there.I don’t want to start stripping the locks out?any thoughts please anyone

 

[teamzr1]

Can't you go to a local locksmith, and they make one without taking a lock out ?

 

[Nigel curry]

Well this is it you see I didn’t know if they could do it without a pattern key but it’s an avenue I can certainly try
Thanks JR

 

[Chuffer]

Well this is it you see I didn’t know if they could do it without a pattern key but it’s an avenue I can certainly try
Thanks JR

I believe it is quite a skilled technique to make an impression of a key without an original to copy . Plus you will need to know the correct blank to use and there are thousands of different types . I guess you would need to know the old GM spec . I think you may end up buying and fitting new locks that will come with a set of keys . It is a bit of fiddle on a C3 as space is tight but can be done . I replaced mine a while back because the lock barrels and keys were badly worn .

 

[johng]

I think you are going to have to buy new locks, the good news is you can adjust your door handles whilst you've got everything apart.

 

[Chuffer]

Also a good opportunity to replace the recessed door handles if the chrome is past its best whilst you have got the whole lot out .

 

[62 C1]

I am not familiar with the C3 locking mechanism but you can also buy electronic central locking kits that are reasonably easy to fit yourself. If you remove the door card and are able to lock and unlock the door just by moving the correct level you can fit one of these. Not sure ho the expense would compare but you may be able to get an upgrade out of adversity. I sure the C3 owners ca advise on the door mechanism.

 

[Chuffer]

I am not familiar with the C3 locking mechanism but you can also buy electronic central locking kits that are reasonably easy to fit yourself. If you remove the door card and are able to lock and unlock the door just by moving the correct level you can fit one of these. Not sure ho the expense would compare but you may be able to get an upgrade out of adversity. I sure the C3 owners ca advise on the door mechanism.

What year C3 are you referring to ? Retro fitting central locking would be quite a job I would imagine and not cheap . Removing the door card would allow you to release the linkage to open the door but I only have experience of 1980 C3 set up . I disconnected my central locking as the drivers side drive mechanism had been bodged by previous owner and finally failed completely not long after getting the car and I couldn`t bothered with hassle and expense to replace it . Central locking is a bit of an unnecessary `toy` on a 2 door coupe with such a small cockpit IMO .

 

[teamzr1]

I went through this many years ago with a C4
The locksmith using nothing but a couple of small files and a blank GM key had a new functional made in like 5 minutes
Interesting how he would keep sticking key in and then seeing there the tumblers marked the key and would file a bit
and try again
Shows how key locks are easy to break into
GM uses the same shape key for many years, so blanks should be easy to get

 

[Nigel curry]

Really good thoughts/advice as always
Thanks all