1942 - 1947 Chevrolet Shop Manual



	1-29

	Tapping on the lock with the wooden handle of a hammer or screwdriver, while pulling on the key, will aid in removing the broken key. This loosens the key as the tumblers are jarred up and down from the tapping. Occasionally a lock can be opened, when the key has broken off, by leaving the broken part of the key in the lock and forcing, the remaining piece of the key into the lock. Many times this will allow the key to line up with the tumblers and permit turning the key, opening the lock. Key Enters Lock but Lock Will Not Unlock The side-bar type lock is used for the ignition switch and door on passenger cars and trucks, Fig. 55. In this type lock the key may sometimes enter but the lock will not unlock.	shaft, etc., where they will not show until the lock is removed. The location of the numbers on various type locks is shown in Fig. 56.


		Fig. 56-Identification Numbers on Locks Many times it becomes necessary to cut new keys by code or key numbers, and the owner is not always in possession of the number. By removing either the door handle or door pillar lock, the key number for the door and ignition lock may be obtained, as these two locks are coded to the same key. The glove compartment and rear compartment lid locks are likewise coded to one key. How to Code a Side-Bar Lock to a Key Number Side-bar locks can be quickly coded to a certain key number to match other keys on the car by the following procedure. Uncoded side-bar locks are furnished without tumblers, springs or spring retainers. These parts are available separately. This type lock has six tumblers cut to four different depths. Service locks have the tumbler depths indicated by colors, "B" for black, "N" for nickel, "Y" for yellow and "C" for copper. Key codes, furnished with all key-cutting machines, consist of numerals for the tumbler positions and letters for the tumbler depths. How to Determine Code of Key Using Key Decoder
	Fig. 55—-Layout of Side-Bar Lock Parts If this should occur, first see that the key is fully inserted, then tap the outside of the lock with the wooden handle of a hammer or screwdriver. If dirt or chips are preventing the side bar from falling into place, the tapping will force the bar to drop into place and permit the lock to turn. After opening the lock, be sure to clean and lubricate at once to prevent a recurrence of the condition. Rusted Door Latches Door safety locks which will not operate when assembled on the car will occasionally turn freely when removed. The square shaft in this type lock turns a dog which in turn locks and unlocks the latch. When this dog becomes rusty it results in the latch being hard to turn. Should this occur, use a long spout oil can to force penetrating oil to the point where the shaft enters the latch. This will free the latch and allow the lock to operate freely when in place. Rusty Door Handle Cylinder Cam The small locking bolt operated by the cam on the end of the lock cylinder, may become rusted and while the lock cylinder itself will operate, the bolt may be frozen tight or be hard to turn. In this case, remove the lock and free the bolt by lubricating with oil or graphite. Identification Numbers on Locks To protect car owners, automobile lock manufacturers stamp the lock number on the lock core,

		Fig. 57-Key Decoder