Replacement keys

[Konrod]

The first of what will doubtless be many stupid questions..........

My Tiv came with only one key (one key, not wonky) which is a little risky as it is a '94 model so the locks/immobiliser are driven from the key.

So off I trots to get another 2 (I'm the cautious type) cut. The muppet at the key cutting place couldn't cut one as the current one is too worn - not sure I believe that but decide to get soem replacement originals.

The girl at the local Vauxhall dealer said "that looks like an old Astra/Cavalier key" and admitted that the key number in the handbook was of the right type, but said they can only be ordered with a chassis number. Can't see my Tiv chassis being in the GM database, or is it?

So my question is, has anyone else been through this and knows how to get around the bureaucracy (and yes, I know the bureaucracy is there to protect owners, but as the car itself was quietly ticking on their forecourt and I have the ownership paperwork......)

Thanks

J

[tvr keith]

If it was me I would buy a new steering lock barrel from a Vauxhall dealer which will come with two keys. If the key is that worn maybe your barrel is as well, you don't want the car to be started with a screwdriver.
I would not expect replacement to be a difficult job, its a Vauxhall!
I would also speak to Carl Baker about getting an additional fob for the alarm. Never dealt with him but lots of people on here have and all excellent reports.
By the way, as you only have 1 key, how come the car was "ticking away" on the forecourt whilst you were showing them the key? You can't take the key out with it running, can you?
My ex had an elderly Escort where they keys fell out of the ignition if you went over a bump, (pre steering lock model).
A policeman told her off one day as she came out of the paper shop because she had left the keys in the thing with the engine running.
"Oh no, she said, I've got the keys here in my hand!"

Edited by tvr keith on Tuesday 23 January 14:52

[davidlscott]

Definitely speak to Carl. It may be worth it before you go too far with the lock/key replacement.

If you haven't done it already, get him to do the remote boot release, it's worth every penny - he will quote for each case so doesn't want prices put on here.

[JonRB]

If you go to your local TVR dealer you can ask for a Tuscan key which is ideal for use with the Chimaera and has the added advantage that your Meta key fob fits into the key.

Not every key cutting place will be able to cut it though - many have got rid of the machine that does it. I tried about 3 cutting places until I found one in the middle of Basingstoke who not only could do it but didn't charge me anything more than inviting me to put something into the charity box on the counter.

Edit: See this thread for more details.

Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 23 January 15:18

[Konrod]

Hmmm, not sure I was completely clear. I don't have a fob, there is no remote lock/unlock facility, the alarm/immobiliser is controlled from the door locks on the car which is why having only one key is slightly scary. Replacing the barrel would also mean changing the door locks which is more complicated than I really want - UI suspect the key wear is because this is the only key that has been used for 12 years i.e. the other got lost long ago.

I do want to find out how easy/feasible it would be to make the locks and alarm work through a remote system and I'll call Carl Baker. The point is I'm not ready to do that yet (read "I want to spend the money on bits that make it go faster/noisier".

In terms of the ticking away question - that was the engine cooling after the damn good thrashing it got.................

So back to the original question, anyone know how I can get replacement keys?

[JonRB]

Sorry, my mistake.

Have you tried going into a number of key cutting shops? Some of them have hundreds of blanks on the wall and would bound to carry something as common as a Cavalier blank.

If a key cutter has the blank but won't cut it then just buy the blank and then find someone who will cut it. For example, the chap who did mine didn't charge me on the understanding that I wouldn't blame him if it didn't work, which was fine by me.

Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 23 January 16:47

[konrod]

OK, just in case anyone else searches on this, you can get replacement keys without having to provide a chassis number, but it requires a special order - you just have to push your local vauxhall dealer.

[LordLanky]

Konrod,

Did you complete your "mission" to source a replacement key?

I have had a marvelous day in and out of key-cutting shops (second w/e in a row!), trying to get a clean "cut" for a replacement key.
My second shop gave up eventually, but gave me a vauxhall blank and a refund.

So I went back to my first chap who spent ages cutting this blank AND didn't charge me!
It JUST turns, and only one way up, and is stiff - so stiff that you have to help the barrel turn.

I'm going to go back to him, but am interested in the costs of sourcing via MrVauxhall.
I was also told to visit a Lotus shop who might be able to help....?

Any updates out there?

Cheers,
LordLanky.

[Cider Andy]

There may be wear in the lock barrel preventing the sharp new key from working properly. Have you tried Clever Trevor?