Need advice on ignition lock replacement 1963 Corvette
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Need advice on ignition lock replacement 1963 Corvette
I am the recent proud owner of a 1963 roadster. The other night when my wife could not find the key, I tried using one of the blank keys that I had recently purchased but not yet cut. It started the car right up. Further playing with the car made me realize that I could just grab the key guard and turn it over - even from the locked position. I’ve already used a paper clip to remove the lock cylinder and could easily have a new one from zip Corvette rekeyed to match the original which has the key code stamped on it. The question is, do I just need to replace the lock cylinder? Or is it the underlying ignition switch that probably needs replacement?
#2
Team Owner
You should not be able to turn the key from the LOCK position; HOWEVER, make SURE its in the LOCK position when you try the test. Sometimes the cylinder is mis-aligned with the labeling above the switch....
If its an original with worn parts - I would prob go repro and have the tumblers re-keyed to your keyset...
If its an original with worn parts - I would prob go repro and have the tumblers re-keyed to your keyset...
#3
Safety Car
For me, depends on your car. Driver? Follow FtF advice. Restored/really nice, check with an experienced (old) locksmith to see if new pins and springs will repair the original stamped tumbler.