backtothe80s

Hi, I've been an occasional lurker via google, an now a member. I just wanted to introduce myself and I wasn't sure where to do it! I purchased 1989 Victory Red T/A GTA on Saturday. It has a 350 TPI engine. It's rough around the edges, but I'm very excited. The memories are rushing back. My father had a very loaded 1986 White TPI car, which I never stopped missing. I've been looking for one passively for a few months and this one fell into my lap. I was bidding on it on eBay, but I didn't hit the reserve. After the auction, the owner contacted me, since he was local (very close by, actually), we struck up a deal for $3500. It needs work, both mechanical and cosmetic, but the motor seems strong. I hope I didn't pay too much.

Either way, I'm going to slowly return this beast to it's former glory.

I have a million questions, but I'll start with the most pressing issue right now. The owner didn't have the door key. Are the door locks/trunk, and rear left compartment keyed alike? If so, I was planning on taking the rear compartment lock out and have a locksmith make a new key, if possible.

I look forward to learning a ton and I appreciate any suggestions and any "required" reading on the site. The tech section has a ton of stuff and I look forward to reading up. Have a great day!

AlkyIROC

Welcome to TGO

I'm not sure if the locks can be retumbled but you should be able to purchase a lock "set" directly from GM. New door and hatch locks all keyed the same.

As far as I know, the ignition is one key and all the other locks should use the other. Doors, hatch, compartments and t-tops locks should all be the same.

Barlow8869

iTrader: (1)

yes, that is right, my doors, hatch, t-tops and compartment in the back all take 1 key

AlkyIROC

Then you should be able to pop out any of those locks and take it to a locksmith where they could cut a new key. I'd use a door or rear hatch lock as compartment locks may not have all the tumblers inside. All you need is one tumbler to keep it from being opened.

Providing it's still original, GM should also know the key code for your VIN number.

backtothe80s

Wow. I would have never thought of that. Why would GM leave a tumbler out?

I'll take the passenger door lock with me to the locksmith. I think that would make a more accurate key.

Thanks for the replies!

AlkyIROC

Internal locks are not high security. A door lock may use 5 or 6 tumblers to make it harder to pick. An internal lock may only use 1 or 2 tumblers. It still keeps it locked.

chemicall

I use to have a set of key codes for one of my old GM cars. They were little metal punch outs with the codes. I was able to take them to the dealer and get keys cut, They should be able to do the same with your vin like stated above for only the cost of a key copy (cheap).

By the way the dealer was supposed to keep the punchouts when selling a new vehicle, I still might have them kicking around even.

redneckjoe

welcome! nice car! i think you got a decent deal. it looks very clean from the pics.

backtothe80s

That sounds like the way to go. Would I go to a Chevy dealer or does it even matter anymore?