Re-key 85 Seville Ignition lock question

[76eldo]

I bought a black 84 Seville a few weeks ago, runs great, everything works, with a MINT black leather interior.

It has rust in 3 of the doors and the l/f fender.

Last week, I found another black 85 Seville, with a completely rust free body, low miles, but no keys for the car at all.

I'd like to get keys made or replace the lock cylinder in the column, not too worried about the doors.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Brian

[TJ Hopland]

You could try and track down vin numbers and key codes and have a locksmith make a key and hope its never been changed.  Or just replace it.  Its a pretty easy job.   The complete ignition lock cylinder with keys is likely a stock item at most parts stores.  Its been a couple years since I bought one but seems like it was about $25.  You need a steering wheel puller or and a lock ring tool.   Both of these tools may be in the rental department or can be bought 'import' quality for under $20 and work fine for how often you need to do the job.   Horn pad comes off with 2-4 screws from the back of the wheel.   There will then be a big clip and a nut, remove clip and nut.   Put the puller on and remove the wheel.    Install the lock ring tool.  This is a U shape thing with a bolt on it like the puller that threads onto the steering shaft.  It compresses the lock ring so you can remove the retaining clip that holds it.  Once clip is off you can slowly release the spring pressure.   Once that is out of the way there is a single torx? screw you remove and then the lock cylinder will just slide out.   Slide new one in.  Replace torx screw.  Re compress lock ring with tool and install clip.   Slide wheel back on.  Use its bolt to fully seat it.  Clip back on.  Horn pad back on.  Finished.  First time with the proper tools should be about 1/2 hour project.    A harmonic balancer puller works too.  I did it one time without the lock ring tool.  Took about 45 mins, 4 band aids, and some stain remover for the carpet.

A locksmith would have to go through the same process to remove the cylinder to re key it.   If you hand a common cylinder to a locksmith it usually cost at least $25 anyway.   

Door locks are also a stock item but a much bigger pain because you have to take the door panels all apart and then find someone with skinny arms to reach through the holes and blindly release the little clips and linkages.

[TJ Hopland]

I just looked up the lock cylinder at my local Oriley's.   I can choose from 3 brands $12-19 black or chrome all in stock.

Searching online for tools at the parts stores is a little hit and miss but Im sure they would have them in the $10 variety for sale or in their loan rental department. 


As an example what the tools look like:



http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/steering/steering-wheel-remover-set-42031.html

[76eldo]

Thanks for the quick response and the detailed info

[76eldo]

Got the job done.  Joe Caristo came over and gave me a big helping hand and had the tool.

We got the  plate removed using the tool, and got the cylinder out quickly.  After replacing the cylinder, I threw a fresh battery in the car which has been parked in a lot full of project cars for close to 7 years, and the think cranked for about 15 seconds and fired right up.

So not all HT4100's are junk.  The faded black body is straight, the red leather interior is beautiful, so the "parts" car may end up back on the road.

We will see.

Thanks for the info and assistance!

Brian