When I bought my Camaro, it came with only one set of three keys. One for the ignition (GM square style very similar to the key I used to have for my '84 Blazer), one for the doors (GM round style, also similar to the '84 Blazer keys), and one for the trunk and glove box (GM round w/'Your key to greater value'). I want to make another set of keys, but I'd like to get them in the correct style as when the car was new. Classic Industries lists a Briggs & Stratton (early style) and a later style in their 2004 catalog (pg 146). Which key did most Camaros come with?

The hexagonal key, as per the owner’s manual; fits the ignition, door lock, and tailgate. The round key fits all other locks.

On your 1967 Camaro;
- A 'Hex' "A" Code key fits the Doors and Ignition.
- A 'Round' "B" Code key fits the Glove Box and Trunk.
As stated, these keys are available in the Original B&S design from the aftermarket vendors.

On a Station Wagon the "A" code key would also fit the Tailgate. The "B" code key fits the rear floor storage area as well as the Glove Box. The "B" key also fits locking Consoles on some models.

In 1968 the key designation changed to "C" and "D" respectively.
Be sure to check the designator code on your keys in case someone has rekeyed with a different lock so you get the correct key blanks.

Thanks, guys. It sounds like I need to get my doors rekeyed to match my ignition.

OK,

Some good advice there, but a few facts missing. Here are the lost facts from a 21 year experienced trade locksmith. In 1967 GM started 2 new key sections as noted above where they introduced the A (Primary) and B (Secondary) keyways. In 67 the keys had the small bow hexogonal heads on the primary key and the small bow round head design on the secondary key. Both the ignition and trunk lock keys were differenat key sections known as A & B. The primary key (A)opened the iginition and door locks and those 2 cylinders were keyed alike to each other. The secondary key (B)opened the trunk lock as well as the glove box as they were keyed alike.

The same keyed alike pairing of the locks were used in 1968 but the keyway (key sections) were changed out to C (primary) and D (secondary) for the 68 model year. In 1969 the ignition locks were changed to a column mounted cylinder but the same keyed alike groups were once again used where the doors and iginiton were paired, as were the deck lid and glove box. What was different in this year was the shape of the keys where the square head and round head (large bow) designs and were used. This type of key blank design was used right into the 90's when the electronic and double sided key designs were introduced. In 1969 the key sections were E & H, and in 1970 they advanced the sections to J & K. Every four years from there on, GM rotated those key sections every 4 years until all of the possible codes were used in progression.

Because of the wider useage in the new square head design, GM dropped the hex head keys simply because it made things easier for inventory. This was also because the square head blank still fit into the 67 cars whereby GM still had support for that model year through a newer key blank design.

I would suspect that your car has had the ignition lock changed out at one point. It should have the doors and locks operating on one key (A Keyway) and the deck lid and glove box on the (B Keyway). It does not matter what head design the key blanks use as long and the key sections are matched and the pairings are coded correctly. Finding 2 NOS sets of original hexagon headed blanks in the correct key section would be a bonus, but then you would need a locksmith to key them up properly and make sure they were set as factory.

I do this work myself for select people through eBay and privately but charge my time out at a premium rate for my workmanship. I don't have any NOS blanks in the hex head right now but can code them correctly to the proper key sections using NOS GM Blanks with the square head. Only the shape of the heads would be different, but very few know that to be the case as GM did make this key section in both head designs.

Now you are educated in locks for the first generation cars. If you ever want your locks done, just let me know.

Graeme Browne
A.L.O.A. Certified
Master Locksmith

[ 05-01-2004, 10:01 PM: Message edited by: hugger_sixty_nine ]

Thanks, Graeme. That information is exactly what I was looking for.

I understand that my 1970 car should have a "J" code door and ignition key and lock set, but mine have been changed in the past. Is there any source for "J" coded ignition and door lock sets?

Also my 67 has Rochester Products keys instead fo Briggs and Stratton. Does anyone know of a source for Rochester key blanks?

Thanks!
-Sam

http://www.camaros.org/keysandlocks.shtml

Thanks Mark,
This picture from that article shows the Rochester Products keys that were original to my '67 http://www.camaros.org/key67secondary2.jpg
I would like to find a supplier for those keys if anyone knows of one..
-Sam