loomdog32

Is there a way to open the rear hatch without a key. There is no hatch release on the center console.

I do not have a door key, just an ignition key.

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

I would get a locksmith to open it and make a key.
The only other way to get it open is to access the latch from the inside, but the rear plastic panel can't be removed with the hatch closed, so it has to be cut/broken.

antoine

It would be cheaper to remove the door lock from the door and take it to a lock smith

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

Read it again.....

89RAG

Could alway call the dealer with the vin# , they will supply you with the key code for the car. and also cut you a new door key. not sure if US dealers still have this info on our cars, Canadian dealers still have access. just got a new ign. key from my local dealer...

mille_3

iTrader: (3)

nothing wrong with his advice...assuming the DOOR lock is the same as the HATCH lock.

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

Ah, I get it , sorry.
The flaw in that plan could be two fold
One, no guarantee the door or hatch are the original lock.
Two, door locks are sometimes too worn out for the smith to make a key. If you did do this, take the pass door lock, more likely to be in decent shape and original.
Personally, I have a locksmith guy who comes to my shop, so just as easy to have him work on the hatch, but if Irish hassle together a locksmith there, I guess I would pull the pass door lock.

IROCtheRoad

Crawl into the back and remove the white cargo lamp - it just pops out. Look inside and you'll see a little latch that you can move up (I think) and most of the time the hatch will release.

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

It's possible you could do that with a power hatch, not sure, but pretty sure you can't with a manual latch hatch, which I think his is.
On the manual latch, the lock connector is behind the latch and bracket, I don't think you can reach it.

loomdog32

I attempted to get back there, but was unsuccessful. My wife was giving me a hard time because I removed the driver side ttop before sitting in the car (she thinks I cant sit in the car with the ttop on)...

I need to get the hatch open before I can really start tearing apart the interior.

I am 99% sure that I have the manual hatch (there is power window switches, but no hatch switch on the center console). Was the power hatch an option in 82? I thought that started in 85. Can I add the power hatch?



Am I right in the assumption that the hatch needs to be open to replace the lock cylinder? http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/pr...inder-Set.html Is there anything that I will need that does not come with this set from Hawks?

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

Yes, your 82 is manual.
The hawks kit looks like what you need.
You have to remove the taillight center to get to the lock, which you can't do with the hatch closed, unless you break it.
Make sure you don't lose the little connecting rod from lock to latch.
Locksmith is really the best way to deal with this unless your rear plastic panel is already junk.

loomdog32

Thats what I thought

Awesome!! Thanx!!

Both taillights are broken and will not pass inspection (one of the the few things that are actually checked here). I would prefer not to destroy them as I have plans for them, but if it need to be done, so be it...

I will make sure and make a note of that.

I don't know the condition of the rear plastics, as I have never been able to open the hatch to check them. I don't think Ill be able to get a locksmith out to look at it, as I live in the middle of nowhere West Texas and the Camaro does not run (probably will be a year or so before it does). Can the locks be punched? I'm not worried about the lock (as it it will be replaced), but would prefer not to destroy any other parts of the car in the process...

Restrorob

iTrader: (7)

This would be my choice.......

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

Well if you can't get the locksmith there, here's my recommendations in order:
Bring the pass door lock cyl to smith to make a key, very easy to remove.
Cut out taillight center to drill out lock- I only say this because you say you already need tail lights
Cut the rear panel- I did it this wAy on a car I stripped because its panels were already junk

BHicks

I ran into this sort of thing myself a while back although i did have keys. i had locked them inside the car and the door handles and lock cylinders were already out because i was preparing to paint the car. The hatch cylinder i left installed.
I use to work at chevy dealer and they can cut a key from the VIN on 1989 and up vehicles, once in a while the database will pull up older models.
But i had the door lock cylinders in a box and just took one to a locksmith and he cut a key from the door cylinder. Came home i popped open the hatch and was able to get inside to open the doors up and get my keys.

Most of these old school locksmiths can look at the tumblers just eyeballing it and cut a key in a minute. At least on the single sided 6 cut keys like we have.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

It would be easier to use a hacksaw blade to cut the hatch hook. You can easily replace the hatch hook once you have tge hatch open.

Lon

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

You can reach the hatch hook with a hacksaw when it's closed?

sonjaab

My 84 had no key for the hatch/door/t-top locks when I got it.
A locksmith made a key and spares on the spot and charged $30 bucks.

No muss no fuss no destroying or disasssembling anything......................

algershick

iTrader: (1)

When I bought my Berlinetta, it had an ignition key only. No door keys, no hatch or t-top key. I already had bought a complete set set of lock cylinders to replace them with.

I used a power drill and drilled out the lock cylinder from dead center. I believe I used a 1/4" bit. You can get a flat tip screw driver in there, twist it, and you're in. You're only out a lock cylinder.

deadman

ive used a screw driver but it destroys the lock.