Key Blanks

[SS_Malibu]

I see Dixie has key blanks for $4.99 a pair. They are “A”/“B” blanks and “C”/“D” blanks. I looked at my keys and the ignition is an “A” and the door is a “K”.. I’m not sure what set I need. It would be nice to have some extra original looking keys.

 

[slow 442]

Get in touch with 69hurstolds he will get you fixed up! Did lock work and keys for me and they came out better than new for a reasonable price and quick turnaround.

 

[69hurstolds]

Yassss. Sounds like you may have a 1978 with a replaced ignition key switch that had an "A" key. You would have a "J" key ignition switch if original. If you have a 1979, then your ignition key switch is "correct" and someone swapped all the other locks out with "K"-keyed locks. Those are the only two possibilities I can see.

Not that it makes a huge difference as long as your "K" key opened all the other locks as the ignition switch is all by itself.

AFAIK, I currently only have generic J and K keys, although I might have some GM ones hidden in a stash somewhere. Not sure. Hardly ever a demand for them. I know I have GM keys of every other variety, though. Early next month I'm making an order for some more lock stuff so I can get some then, or if you want to purchase some GM blanks and send them to me, I can punch out a set for you that will fit your car. Hit me up on a DM if you're interested. Either way or no way is fine with me, just let me know what you want to do.

I lifted this from the "Friends of the Professional Car Society" rather than type all this junk out myself.

GM used the same key blank groove configuration for both the ignition and trunk / glove box from 1935 to 1966. Starting in 1967, in an effort to combat auto theft, they change the groove configuration on both the ignition and the trunk to be separate grooving. To add to that, they also added a letter code to designate each of the key blanks. Below is an explanation of the years that each letter code designation correlates to.

The 1967 & 1968 GM keys continued to use the standard hex & pear shaped keys, even thought they changed the keyway configuration for each year.

1967 = A & B Keyways
1968 = C & D Keyways

Starting in 1969, GM changed the head of the key to a larger square, and a rounded top square for the door and trunk key. This was done because of
the introduction of the steering column ignition and lock. The new square & round top keys fit the following years.

1967 1971 1975 1979 1983 1984 1985 = A & B
1968 1972 1976 1980 1987 1988 1989 = C & D
1969 1973 1977 1981 GM Key = E & H
1970 1974 1978 1982 = J & K

First implemented in 1986 by General Motors, VATS keys were originally only for the Corvette. They were later used for the Cadillac and its future models. A VATS key, (VATS standing for Vehicle Anti Theft System,) is a key often referred to as a 'computer chip key.' These keys need to be programed by a locksmith or the GM dealer. If you loose one of these keys, it can get very expensive to have them replaced. In some cars, if you have 2 original keys, you can have additional keys programmed using these 2 keys and the special codes that allow it to be programmed using the cars computer system.

 

[SS_Malibu]

I did switch the door/trunk with new locks and keys but left the ignition alone.

 

[69hurstolds]

I did switch the door/trunk with new locks and keys but left the ignition alone.

Ah, ok. Meaning you have a 79? What key operates your glovebox lock? Did you change that as well? If not, it's likely still a "B" oval key. Probably don't care if it locks any more, but...

 

[SS_Malibu]

I’ll have to check the glovebox lock. I only have the two keys but you’re right, don’t care too much about the glovebox.