'87's glove box stuck locked

[cattman]

I've searched here and read what I could find, but most with this issue have earlier model cars. I locked the box, and when I tried to unlock it, the key bent. It didn't break off inside the glove box lock, but nonetheless I cannot open the glove box. I don't want to bend the spare key trying- what's my next move?
Thanks!
CATTMAN

[kidrock]

I'm finding out that the original keys are getting pretty worn down on our cars, and sometimes will not actuate the glove box lock tumblers properly.

I would use some WD-40 (Tri-Flo is better) and gently manipulate the good key you have left. Work the key up and down (or in and out) gently to try to get the tumbler to unlock. It may take several minutes, so be patient.

If this doesn't work and you run out of patience, you can take a pair of pliers and twist the lock face to the left or right until it frees itself from the catch. Of course, you will probably ruin the lock face and need to purchase a replacement after doing this.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by kidrock

I'm finding out that the original keys are getting pretty worn down on our cars, and sometimes will not actuate the glove box lock tumblers properly.

I would use some WD-40 (Tri-Flo is better) and gently manipulate the good key you have left. Work the key up and down (or in and out) gently to try to get the tumbler to unlock. It may take several minutes, so be patient.
If this doesn't work and you run out of patience, you can take a pair of pliers and twist the lock face to the left or right until it frees itself from the catch. Of course, you will probably ruin the lock face and need to purchase a replacement after doing this.

+1 This is how I open my Glove Box and Front Trunk (sometime it's 10 seconds somtime it's 2 minutes.

Probably the same thing happened to the original ignition since it has been change. The big plus is now that the weld spot are gone, if I loose my key, I can start the car with a screw driver in less than 5 minutes

[cattman]

I had an appt at the dealer today to get it open, but before I set out I figured, shoot, let me just see if something bizarre happened over night, and sure enough, the spare key I used today open it on the first shot, easily.

Ugh, at least it's open, and seems to be functioning for now. I may work on a solution for this in case it happens again.
Thanks!
CATTMAN

[kidrock]

Cattman,

compare your old bent key to your spare key...how do the high and low spots compare? It sounds like your bent key was worn out. If you can see the difference, and your spare consistently opens the glove box with ease, I'd just have another spare key cut from your existing spare...problem solved.

JJ---seriously dude, if you can start that slantnose with scissors, I'd be looking into a quick solution. There's gotta be someone in Ottawa that would love to get their hands on your ride.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by kidrock

Cattman,

compare your old bent key to your spare key...how do the high and low spots compare? It sounds like your bent key was worn out. If you can see the difference, and your spare consistently opens the glove box with ease, I'd just have another spare key cut from your existing spare...problem solved.

JJ---seriously dude, if you can start that slantnose with scissors, I'd be looking into a quick solution. There's gotta be someone in Ottawa that would love to get their hands on your ride.

Kidrock

I said I could... I can leave the key in the ignition and you would not be able to started it and good luck trying to jack the car

As you can guess any Porsche with a replaced ignition...

J.J.

[cattman]

Originally Posted by kidrock

Cattman,

compare your old bent key to your spare key...how do the high and low spots compare? It sounds like your bent key was worn out. If you can see the difference, and your spare consistently opens the glove box with ease, I'd just have another spare key cut from your existing spare...problem solved.

JJ---seriously dude, if you can start that slantnose with scissors, I'd be looking into a quick solution. There's gotta be someone in Ottawa that would love to get their hands on your ride.

Great suggestion, in fact, the spare looks better than daily one, and the daily one is newly cut. But with an '87, I am sure the keys I have are copies of copies of copies. Regardless, the key is spindle thin- are they all like that?

Anyone know where one might buy a new (vintage '87) illuminated key with the colored crest?
CATTMAN

[kidrock]

Cattman,

If you want a fresh cut, you will need to crawl under the dash with a flashlight and maybe a magnifying glass. On the ignition switch should be a series of numbers. Write down these numbers and bring them to a quality locksmith with the cool new blank you thoughtfully bought from our host. A good locksmith will decipher that number and cut a perfect key made specifically for your locks.