VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Key for door lock.

For my 39 Chev I have a used outside door handle with lock coming from a reliable source that I have bought from before,it is without a key,and I am wondering if someone has had luck having a key made with a lock smith.I don't know yet if the numbers can be read on the shaft.

There is a 99% chance that a locksmith can make a key for it. If you are installing the handle on the drivers side the handle will be up-side-down so the key will go in with the cut side up....no problem. The key numbers run in the 8000 to 9200 range.

Well I had my 38 ready to go to the trimmers and when the tilt tray turned up the key was missing because it was somewhere "safe".The car was dragged onto the truck and taken to the garage for mechanical work. They called in a mobile locksmith who made a new key. Of course the next day they found the hidden key which matched the new one. This was an ignition key but I have had similar experiences with door/trunk keys.It should not be a problem.

Thank you Guy's for the lock information,I am finding out that they are not so plentiful.

My door lock arrived from Oldcarparts.com Portland,wow! what a deal for something that is some what of a demand because of no reproduction at this time at least.A lock smith didn't charge to make a key to fit,just a charge for making 3 keys. Oldcar also had the 38 Chevy 3.73 center housing for my 39 Chev.just like it was sitting there waiting for me.A favorite supply store of mine is the filling station,but some times they don't have so are very helpful and will suggest where to look for something in used parts.

For future reference, I can cut a key (1935-1966) for anyone who has the 4 digit code. This will be an 8000 or 9000 number, often stamped into the base of a door handle. If the vehicle has not had the door or ignition locks changed, the door handle key will be the same as the ignition key.

Mike