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Firebird keys

I cant open the boot (trunk) of my 1973 Firebird which ive just bought. None of the keys work.

The firstgenfirebird site had a post saying:

"If you have the billing history for your car from PHS it lists the four digit ignition key and trunk key codes. Take this to a GM dealer and they can look up the code in the key code book and get the 6 cuts and punch a key with the curtis keycutter they all have. If you don't have the codes the four digit codes are stamped on the original door lock and trunk lock cylinders also. The door matches the ignition (unless someone changed something) and the trunk matches the glove box."

Does anyone know if second gen birds are the same as the early 67 cars?

If not i guess its a case of drilling out the lock!

Any help appreciated!

Dave

Reply to
dave thacker
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If you don't want to drill the lock, pull the back seat out to get limited access to the trunk. Take a 4 ft or so piece of 1/8 inch brake line and bend a 90 degree handle on one end. Take a short piece of larger tubing (IIRC 3/8 will work) and slide it partially over the 1/8 inch tubing. Place this in a vice and crimp the large tube to the small tube. Then crimp the open end of the large tube to about 3/16 inch wide. Get a good light and insert your new trunk key into the trunk and look for a small lever to the left of the lock cylinder. Rotating this lever will open the trunk. With the lid open, look on the right side of the lock support and you should find a black spring steel clip that holds the cylinder in place. Remove the single screw from the right side and remove the clip. You can now pull the lock cylinder out. Note that there is a short operating rod pushed into the cylinder. Remove the rod and put it in a SAFE place as you will not get this rod with a replacement cylinder. If you want to close the trunk it can be opened using a long flat blade screwdriver till you get a new cylinder.

Most resto houses sell lock sets so if yours is broken you can buy new cylinders for the trunk, doors and glovebox so one key still works for everything except the ignition which has a unique key.

Dave

PS - I've never seen a remote hood release on a second gen so I'm assuming you have an aftermarket hood lock installed.

Reply to
poncho462

Yes, the PHS documents have the key codes. A locksmith can easily make up a key based on that. My friend is locksmith and he did it for me all the time.

If not, a locksmith can make a key and open the lock. Bring the vehicle to them and explain. Depending on the 'smith, it may cost you a bit. Most won't hit you too hard though.

GM locks were/are supplied by Briggs and Stratton/Strattec on both generations, so most locksmiths have no problems with handling GM locks. Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director '80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig. '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going.... '80 T/A project car...

Reply to
Bigjfig

Dave,

I believe '73 was the last year that GM printed the compartment key code on the glove box lock cylinder. You'll have to open the glove box & remove the cylinder itself from the door (use something long, thin, & sharp such as a paperclip to release the tumblers).

The cylinder should slide right out. I believe a locksmith may be able to help you out with the code.

Junqueboi

Reply to
Junqueboi

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