Thread: Lost Keys......Am I screwed?

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I lost the keys to my son's '76 Monte Carlo. I found a locksmith that can make a new ignition and door key for only 130 bucks That is ridiculous. So.....I just figured that I could replace the ignition and door/trunk locks. Problem solved.......until I found out that I need the ignition key to remove the ignition lock. Back to square one.
Is there some other way to remove the ignition lock? Some little trick that might let me get that thing out without causing any damage?

you dont need the key to remove the ign lock, look on this page http://www.fieros.de/en/articles/steering.html && you'll see these pic's. I know this column is a tad different then yours but to remove the key lock its the same way.
remove the lock cylinder screw & the ing tumblers will come right out. I have replace several & never had keys..joe

It will go nice and easy as long as you don't lock the wheel. If you lock the wheel you will have to dig a lil deeper into the column to disconnect the actuating rod that holds the lock in place.

Do you have AAA? I think they offer some locksmith service, but can't guarantee that.

Don

Good info. here guys. I appreciate it. This isn't going to be as bad as I thought.

Originally Posted by DennyW

It doesn't matter if the wheel is in the locked position. As long as you take the locking plate off, ( compress the plate, remove the C clip), and take the cylinder screw out, and then you can use a screw driver if you want.

I had very little trouble replacing my key assembly. The lock plate and c ring was a devil to get back. i used my faucet set (plumbing) socket to compress the mess. and then set the ring with a screw driver.

Originally Posted by DennyW

Really nice photos and info there Joe !!

there from the site i mentioned....joe

Denny, thats why I'm here....joe

Thanks for the help, how about some more??
I have the column apart, down to bare bones. The ignition lock retaining screw that was identified in an earlier post doesn't exist on my column. I think I have found the end of the internet trying to found out some more information. Some say there is a little paper clip size hole near the keyhole that is a mechanism to release the ignition lock. I don't think I have that either. Here are a couple of pics of what I am wrestling with. Has anyone here been up against the same thing? This has to be something simple, what am I missing?

Denny.... Joe? you guys wanna show him the detent to insert the screw driver? Thanks.

Originally Posted by nitrowarrior

Denny.... Joe? you guys wanna show him the detent to insert the screw driver? Thanks.

I think he is talking about that little slot you see, a small flat screwdriver will push the pad in on the lock and allow the cyl to slid out.

yes........PLEASE!

normally I remove every screw in sight, then pull and jiggle until the whole mess falls apart. Normally, putting it back together represents a whole nuther problem....

What's that funnel shaped hole above the lock cylinder?

Originally Posted by 65cayne

normally I remove every screw in sight, then pull and jiggle until the whole mess falls apart. Normally, putting it back together represents a whole nuther problem....

What's that funnel shaped hole above the lock cylinder?

Me too........but I know that I am missing something simple here and I don't want to foul anything up on this one. That hole you asked about is for the turn signal assembly.

I hate XP and my skills on this PC suk. I would bring the arrow cursor to the point and show you, but I have no clue how to do it. Strip a blower rotor? yes! Adjust a 5 disc nitro clutch? yes! Find a way to show you with the picture what you want to see? No! It suks and I apoogize, I just don't think left handed. Denny or Joe Or Pat Or? will be along and bail me out again.