VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1971-1979 72 Chevelle convertible lost key

I've come across a garage find. Its a 1 owner 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu 2DR Convertible. 350 V8 4bbl L48. Has 133,xxx miles. Last driven in 2002 then parked. Currently not running. Has bucket seats, SS shifter console, posi trac, and SS dash gauge package too.

It has been buried in the garage for years.

This is a friend from high schools parents car. Any idea on what I should offer?

They have also lost the key. What would be the process of getting the current ignition removed and how would I go about changing all the locks. I have a 1951 Chevy, so this is too new for my expertise.

Without seeing the car etc. I would say in the neighborhood of $10,000 unless it is rusted-out.
I can't reember for sure but I believe the key number is stamped on the door lock cylinder or a connecting part. Other wise remove a door lock cylinder and take it to a locksmith.
For the trunk you may be able to release the trunk lock from the inside by removing the back seat and then removing the lock cyl.

Good to hear from you again.

If the owners Manuel or other paper work from new is with the car check for the key numbers. When I serviced in new cars at the Chevy dealer (1970-73) we wrote the numbers on the service in sheet and the owners manual.

Thanks for the tips, I'll post if I get the car and how it goes with the key replacement.

The door lock is the same as the glove box lock, just take the cylinder to a locksmith and the number is stamped on the case and they can punch you a new key for about $30

I thought it was the Door and Ignition that was the same, and then the Glove box and Trunk were the same??

Here's a page from the Owner's Manual for my 1971 Chevelle. Probably the same for your '72.

eYes you are right! sorry about that I got things mixed up, I forgot it was a two key system.
As I do remember I was told many years ago that there were not a lot of combinations on the locks maybe 30 or 40, and if you or your buddy's have some old keys give them a try. I know years ago the key for one of my 56 Chevy's opened the door and worked the ignition switch on my buddy's 59 Buick, his key would work mine but it needed some help.

Thanks everyone, I hope to find out tonight if they take my offer. If so, be prepared for a lot of questions!!!

Good news! They found the ignition key, and they accepted my offer. Hope to take possession this weekend, and see what I really have gotten myself into.

Congrats!!!

We need to see some pictures!!!