keys lost - codes on lock cyl?

[ec_co]

I'm heading up to pick up my Barracuda finally, dad can't find the keys so we called out a locksmith .... 2hrs later and he couldn't fab one. I called someone else, and they said the only way to get keys made is to pull the lock cylinders and there is a code on I can use to have a set made?

questions:
 - does this sound correct?
 - if correct, what is the best or easiest way to remove the lock cyl from the pass side door (I figure this one is easier than the ignition and the handle needs replaced anyways, so maybe kill 2 items?)
 - once I get the codes, would it be a dealership that could make them based off the codes, or a general locksmith?

other thoughts or methods I should be considering? time is short and I gotta do this all within a few days

thanks for any help and advice

[72cudamaan]

A good locksmith should be able to do it with no problem... as long as he can read the code stamped on it. I had mine done
within 24 hrs. of dropping it off.

[Chryco Psycho]

Where did you find that locksmith ?
Can't make a key to an old Mopar  I wonder what he would do with a newer Saab !!
 Anyway the code is on the ign lock so you have to tear down the column , or you can pull the door lock & remove the pins from the lock to decode it .

[moparman82]

We had lost keys to an old 79 lincoln at my dad's house in Cali, I paid $200 for a locksmith to come out and make keys for the doors and ingition, took him a few hours right there on the spot

[Chryco Psycho]

We used ot go to the Police auctions & make keys to cars bought there , 250 cars sold , sometimes we had to make keys for 100 cars , it would take all day with 2 of us working on it but we might do 70-80 cars , 2 hrs each would have taken weeks!!

[ec_co]

and the verdict is ...... I have keys that work! 
 
we had an old school master locksmith come out and within 30min he had the ignition/door key, another 30 for the trunk/glovebox. (we spent more time BS'ing about old cars/motorcycles and he has similar friends to my dad .... funny how these things work out sometimes)

he says that you can generally make keys for old mopars and fords, but chevys are near impossible due to the design. he used a technique called impressioning where he jiggles a key blank in the lock and this makes a slight impression on the key that he then files down, and goes back and forth doing this technique until he has all the ridges and depths correct. the newbie couldn't do it (same technique tried), it's all about skill and technique .... so if you need to have it done, make sure you use someone with plenty of experience to avoid time delays and hassles.

good knowledge for all to have

 

[Chryco Psycho]

I impression keys all the time , easy to do with experience , I have even impressioned GM & Ford sidebar locks which supposedly cannot be impressioned LOL
 Glad you got it solved