So long story short, some of my grandbabies were here at the house swimming in the pool and somehow the keys for my El Camino were taken from the ignition and have not been seen since. They were the one and only set. What are my options guys.
EL CAMINO Lost keys
- Thread starter JimmyD
- Start date
top of my head, get a new ignition cylinder which will come with a couple of keys. that'll get you up and running fast
Since you'll need to pull the wheel, just get the code off the ignition cylinder & get keys cut. I've done it with a few in the spare stash. As for the door & glove box lock, I'veyet to notice a code stamped into them.
Ignition lock- is it the original GM lock? If so, you can remove it, flip it over where you can read the back side of it, and find a 4-digit alpha-numeric code stamped into the housing and send it to me in a DM. Something like (EXAMPLE)- 04 Y6 or 9J 41. Obviously not your numbers, but it will look similar. If you can get me that code, there's a 98% chance I can find it in the decipher book and cut you a generic key and get it in the mail to you pronto to at least be able to start it. That code will get me the keway series and the cut code and poof. New key that works. Unfortunately, aftermarket keys USUALLY do not have the code stamped in them.
Here's a typical place to find the codes:
* Note: The above pic was lifted from ebay. It is an interesting lock in the fact it has 56 A6 code on the housing, but the key knockouts have 55 A6, indicating it's a "C" key. Close on the cut codes, but a tad different on the end of the keys. TBH, I think this is a GM screwup and the key will not work in the lock if the coding is correct on the lock. If the key works, then the stamping on the lock was hosed.*
As far as the door locks, you will have to take one out. SOMETIMES but not very often, they also have a 4 digit alpha-numeric code stamped into them. If not, you'll have to send me that lock and I can disassemble it and find the key code the hard way and cut you a new oval key for it as well. Keep in mind, the glove box lock is worthless in a situation like this because although it uses the same key as the door locks, it's only coded for the LAST 4 cuts of the six cut key. The first two cuts aren't there, so the hard way won't work with a glovebox lock.
The other option is buy two new door locks with the same key, and a new ignition lock with a new set of keys and have at it. Then you'll still need to find out what the glovebox lock code is, and it'd likely be a different keyway anyway, so then you'd end up with 3 keys to do all the locks.
Here's a typical place to find the codes:
* Note: The above pic was lifted from ebay. It is an interesting lock in the fact it has 56 A6 code on the housing, but the key knockouts have 55 A6, indicating it's a "C" key. Close on the cut codes, but a tad different on the end of the keys. TBH, I think this is a GM screwup and the key will not work in the lock if the coding is correct on the lock. If the key works, then the stamping on the lock was hosed.*
As far as the door locks, you will have to take one out. SOMETIMES but not very often, they also have a 4 digit alpha-numeric code stamped into them. If not, you'll have to send me that lock and I can disassemble it and find the key code the hard way and cut you a new oval key for it as well. Keep in mind, the glove box lock is worthless in a situation like this because although it uses the same key as the door locks, it's only coded for the LAST 4 cuts of the six cut key. The first two cuts aren't there, so the hard way won't work with a glovebox lock.
The other option is buy two new door locks with the same key, and a new ignition lock with a new set of keys and have at it. Then you'll still need to find out what the glovebox lock code is, and it'd likely be a different keyway anyway, so then you'd end up with 3 keys to do all the locks.
With luck, the car is unlocked....
I have to say that 69hurstolds is one remarkable dude.
I have to say that 69hurstolds is one remarkable dude.
I was just out in the garage & dug into the parts for my '81 & I didn't see any codes on the original trunk or door lock bodies. Even checked the lock from replacement trunk lid & nothing
Sounds about right. I know I've seen them on some of the 1970s locks, but I haven't torn into enough 1980s cars to know for sure, but even then, the trunk and door locks don't usually have the codes stamped in the housing.
That's why I say I likely will need to have it in hand and take it apart and do it the hard way. Door lock or trunk locks, if they're all keyed the same it makes no difference. Whichever is easier to get out. Unfortunately, the trucks don't have trunk locks.
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