VATS Key- Cheap Replacement Without A Pellet
#1
VATS Key- Cheap Replacement Without A Pellet
I only have one set of keys for my Camaro. I went to the dealer and they wanted $36 for a replacement VATS key. I said no thanks, and stopped into ACE Hardware next. They want $26 for a replacement VATS key. I completely eliminated my VATS 2 years ago, but the guy at ACE says the grooves are different and he can't cut a non-VATS key for me because it won't fit. Is this correct? Is there not a cheaper solution for the thousands of us that have eliminated or bypassed VATS?
(Not sure if this fits into this Electronics forum or if I should have put it in Interior.)
(Not sure if this fits into this Electronics forum or if I should have put it in Interior.)
#3
Re: VATS Key- Cheap Replacement Without A Pellet
He made it out like one of the grooves for passkey keys was different from non-passkey keys. I found this photo to show what I think he was talking about. I'm going to stop at a locksmith this afternoon and will hopefully get a key that won't cost me as much as these pellet keys do.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...act=mrc&uact=8
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...act=mrc&uact=8
#4
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Modesto, California
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Car: 88 Firebird Formula
Engine: LO5 5.7 TBI/Ebl Flash
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 stock rear end
Re: VATS Key- Cheap Replacement Without A Pellet
I only have one set of keys for my Camaro. I went to the dealer and they wanted $36 for a replacement VATS key. I said no thanks, and stopped into ACE Hardware next. They want $26 for a replacement VATS key. I completely eliminated my VATS 2 years ago, but the guy at ACE says the grooves are different and he can't cut a non-VATS key for me because it won't fit. Is this correct? Is there not a cheaper solution for the thousands of us that have eliminated or bypassed VATS?
(Not sure if this fits into this Electronics forum or if I should have put it in Interior.)
(Not sure if this fits into this Electronics forum or if I should have put it in Interior.)
Just wait till you have to buy a key for these damn new cars. Multiple Benjamins...
#7
Junior Member
Re: VATS Key- Cheap Replacement Without A Pellet
The keys for the Vat style ignition is longer than the std. gm key. the groves should be the same.
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#8
Re: VATS Key- Cheap Replacement Without A Pellet
Well I guess the ACE guy scared me for no reason with the groove thing. I went to the locksmith and he knew exactly what to do. Here's the key he sold me. It works just fine and only cost me $3.
ilco P1098 B62
To answer the other questions...
Ghettobird52, it's a fair question, and not rude at all. I'd say that $17 for a non-VATS key is high. The dealer only charges $3.60 for those types of keys, my local one just didn't have any in stock to try to match up. When I went to the one that did, I got stuck with an idiot behind the counter that refused to think outside of the box to help me out.
rbrackett I only have one set of keys, so if I ever lost them I'd likely have been screwed into buying an unnecessary $36 key. I just wanted to have a cheap spare set in case I need it later.
hdavis2005, I can see what you're talking about, it's definitely longer. This key he sold is identical, just not punched out in the middle for a resistor. With the resistor not there, it's easy to see the extra length.
ilco P1098 B62
To answer the other questions...
Ghettobird52, it's a fair question, and not rude at all. I'd say that $17 for a non-VATS key is high. The dealer only charges $3.60 for those types of keys, my local one just didn't have any in stock to try to match up. When I went to the one that did, I got stuck with an idiot behind the counter that refused to think outside of the box to help me out.
rbrackett I only have one set of keys, so if I ever lost them I'd likely have been screwed into buying an unnecessary $36 key. I just wanted to have a cheap spare set in case I need it later.
hdavis2005, I can see what you're talking about, it's definitely longer. This key he sold is identical, just not punched out in the middle for a resistor. With the resistor not there, it's easy to see the extra length.
#9
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Modesto, California
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Car: 88 Firebird Formula
Engine: LO5 5.7 TBI/Ebl Flash
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 stock rear end
Re: VATS Key- Cheap Replacement Without A Pellet
Sorry i was looking at keys with new ignition tumbler as well. Almost 10 years ago (wow time flies...) i broke off my key in the ignition. Had to replace it, seems like price has stayed about the same on it.
But yeah i have spares for both door and ignition.
But yeah i have spares for both door and ignition.