I am looking to replace my locks on my 1970 Pontiac Firebird.
I would like replacements keyed with the original code used on my car..
To be perfectly clear, I DO have the key codes.
I believe that a replacement ignition tumbler was already installed when I got my car out of Riverton MB in 1995, and I only had the trunk, and (new) ignition keys.
I still have the original glove box and trunk locks, but the trunk lock is worn (you have to wiggle it just right, and twist your tongue to get it to open), and the glove box door lock chrome cap pops off (I guess I could epoxy it on).
I had contemplated buying the "year correct" sets offered through Ames, but I would prefer to do that only as a last choice because if my keys are ever lost, GM Canada can get my car's key code through thier own vintage vehicle services - and I can then get replacements cut at a dealer.
I have also contemplated buying a code book, a clipper (and parts), and lock service kits to do this myself;
My principal hold up here seems to be finding a SR uncoded ignition tumbler - unless I am mistaken, these ignition tumblers, once assembled, are essentially not supposed to be taken apart...
I narrowly missed out on finding someone to do this for me through yenko dot net, but I only got ahold of this individual after he was no longer able to do this - and irony of ironies, he lived here (Calgary) and then moved to Winnipeg!
LOL
I am ABSOLUTELY open to thoughts, or advice on the subject.
This is NOT time sensitive, as my car is completely apart.
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1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
When I bought my 70 2+2 convertible the ignition tumbler had been changed and used an A code key (1971, 1975, etc). The doors still used the correct J code key. I got a new ignition tumbler from Heads Lock & Key, they set it to match my J code key. I installed it and all ok.
The only problem is that I can remove the key from the ignition tumbler at any point. The only time this was an issue was when I left it at a Airport Parking place, I think they left the key in the unlock position and pulled the key out, and ran the battery absolutely dead.
I have heard that some of the later replacement tumblers would accept any type of key - this just might serve to explain why you had this happen.
-- Edited by unruhjonny on Saturday 17th of September 2022 08:43:37 AM
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1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
I once owned a 2001 Silverado and the ignition key was a well worn copy and it had to be wiggled extensively to get the ignition to turn. I had the GM dealer cut a new key cut from the vin number and it worked like new. For your trunk lock if you have a key cut from the code you may fix the problem. You could probably have the ignition lock tumblers changed to the original code if it takes the correct key blank.
I don't know if the ignition locks were intended to be taken apart to be recoded once assembled; I have gotten two apart, but one had to be broken, and I think the second one was already broken.
Also 1970/1974/1978(?) ignition tumblers use a type of key which seems to have been eliminated in the year to year cycle - to be replaced with another type (key code) all together.
-- Edited by unruhjonny on Saturday 17th of September 2022 10:51:24 PM
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1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
