Bizzarro stuff that drives me crazy! I only have one set of keys for my '69. I go to the local Chevy dealer and get a copy of the ignition key made. Take it home and it doesn't work. So I take it back and have them try again. It still doesn't work.

I go to a different Chevy dealer, they make me one, it doesn't work either.

I go to an old locksmith shop with a blank Chevy key. This guy has one of the old time key making machine like they had back in the day. They make me a copy and it doesn't work.

Am I missing something here?

My existing key is in great shape, not worn at all and works great everytime.

Any ideas?

Take the cylinder out, and take it to the old locksmith with a new blank.

The Keys are designated Letters. For example, my 68 Camaro has 2 Blanks. C for the Ignition and Doors and D for the Trunk and Glove Box. Is it possible that the people cutting the keys are using the incorrect lettered blank? Better yet, pull one of your door cylinders out. There will be a 4 Character Key Code stamped on the cylinder. Go to a Locksmith with the code and correct letter key blank and have him manually cut a new key.
Hope this helps.
Tory

Guess I'm lucky.

I have a locksmith that has been around for a while, even has some original-style blanks. He can come out to the car and make a key for it, whether it be for the door or ignition. No key copying, which Ive had several issues with in the past.

Take the cylinder out, and take it to the old locksmith with a new blank.Insert key into tumbler, insert paper clip into the small hole in tumbler face plate, push in on paper clip and at the same time, turn tumbler left to ACCESSORY and tumbler will unscrew from switch.

This thread reminds me; I was just looking through my memory-parts box. There was the original key and the knock-outs with the code the dealer removes prior to delivery. Cool.

Key machines if not set up properly will not cut the new keys deep enough. I was a locksmith years ago and older GM keys would always need to be shimmed up before I cut them. This may sound weird but your cylinder has worn into that key. An experienced locksmith should not have a problem making a copy.

when i replaced the locks on mine, the kit came with 2 sets of keys, one works perfect and the other set has to be pulled/backed out of the ignition and door lock about a 1/16th" and then it works fine. might be same problem

I had 3 ignition keys made last Saturday at ACE hardware for my '68.
All three worked fine.. $1.19 ea.

Run the keys under a wire wheel to smooth out the sharp edges and they should work fine.


Kev

Insert key into tumbler, insert paper clip into the small hole in tumbler face plate, push in on paper clip and at the same time, turn tumbler left to ACCESSORY and tumbler will unscrew from switch.


The dude's got a 69 man!!:yes::confused:

I had the same problem with the '69. The local hardware guy's effort didn't work, found an older Locksmith shop that had several key machines, done deal.