door locks for a 77 k10

[dagwood]

hello, when i got my 77 k10 a few months back. it only came with an ignition key. i was wondering if it would be worth the time to find a lock smith or should i just see if i can buy a new set of door locks through a local parts house

[Jason S]

In terms of cost, I think it would be about a wash (unless the locksmith charges exorbitant fees).  On the plus side, if you went to the locksmith, you would only have to remove one door lock cylinder to get the key made and then replace one lock cylinder; if you replaced both with aftermarket lock cylinders then you'd have twice the amount of work.

[75gmck25]

From the factory the door locks are keyed different than the ignition.  If you want to keep it that way, just buy a new set of cylinders for the doors.  However, you could also get the new door cylinders rekeyed to match the ignition and it should not cost much at a locksmith.

Bruce

[Captkaos]

That actually isn't 100% correct.  1973 and 1974 and some 1975's had only one key.  My 1973 does and the one my grandfather had 1974 only had one.

[bake74]

That actually isn't 100% correct.  1973 and 1974 and some 1975's had only one key.  My 1973 does and the one my grandfather had 1974 only had one.

     I wonder what made the difference in weather it was 1 key verses 2, my 74 k-10 step side has 2 different one's.

[Captkaos]

Not sure, but was your 1974 from the orignal owner?  Locks are easy to change.
The Key was also removable from the column with the truck running so in the cold you could pull the key out, lock the door and get back in and take your keys with you.

[Venton]

Not real sure why, but my understanding is they were made both ways. I'm told the easiest way to tell was the shape of the door key, square and they fit the ignition, if the were round they were separate. I know my 74 C10 has separate keys. As for the cost to rekey or replace, who's installing the replacement? A set of door locks with new keys runs around $30.00. If you put them in yourself, seems to me that's probably cheaper then having a locksmith come out to rekey them.

[Captkaos]

Venton, I am not how that helps.  All ignition keys were square.  The only way to tell if you have one key is if the ignition key fits in the door lock.

[bake74]

     My 74 has a square key for ignition and round for doors.  They are of the same stamp and the numbers are only a few off from each other, so I am going to say they are factory. 
     If that helps at all.

[Venton]

Venton, I am not how that helps.  All ignition keys were square.  The only way to tell if you have one key is if the ignition key fits in the door lock.

Sorry my mistake. You're correct, all ignition keys are square! Most door keys are round. What I meant to say was "If you have a square key it most likely fits the ignition, it may also fit the doors. Easiest way to find out is to try it. If your truck came with a square and a round key, they are most likely keyed separately. If they are keyed separately, it would probably be cheaper to replace the door locks then to pay a locksmith"