Source for proper OEM keys?

[Rawja]

Lost my primary set of keys for my '89 Reatta.

The ignition key had black plastic on the head, but much thicker than I've ever seen, and offset (thicker on one side).

I'm assuming that they were the original keys, but haven't been able to locate blanks matching that description.

So I guess, first off, were the original keys "different" like I've described, and if so, where can proper blanks be located?

[sahein]

I bought an ignition switch with matching keys from Advance Auto. I don't remember the cost but I remember that it was reasonable.

[Vincent Vega]

I have both sets of original keys for my 88. Yes, The key head is just as you described. I suppose a dealer somewhere may have some. A locksmith may also know something about the proper key blanks.

[padgett]

Mine (88) are also the same - offset rather thick black plastic head with a deeply set "GM" logo that is larger than on other keys of era.
Do think must be have been common since says "GM" and not "Buick" or "Reatta".

On both my sets is the ignition key only, trunk key is just a key though have some thinner (later ?) ignition and trunk keys with black plastic heads and smaller raised logo.

[Rawja]

I don't know how wide-spread the thick-style ignition key was, but eBay searches for GM key blanks turns up every style of key except ours. I have inquired at the dealer, but they just look at me like I'm crazy, as they dont see the point beyond if the key works, who cares what it looks or feels like.

Perhaps they are right, but I'd still like to obtain the "correct" ignition key as I liked it better than the standard key I'm now forced to use.

[padgett]

Have sent some inquiries but when they see the picture (see att) its " We'll have to check".

Am I correct that the trunk key is a plain metal ket ?

[Vincent Vega]

Both of mine are. (For an 88)

[Rawja]

yep, that's the key.

[Reatta Man]

Check with OLD, ESTABLISHED locksmiths in your area. Some of them will have NOS (New Old Stock) with the correct GM logo and plastic head. This would be due to the fact that blanks were probably only available from GM at first, so if the locksmith bought some early after the cars came out, he may have the real GM blanks. Later, other companies would make the knockoff key blanks with the generic plastic heads, or no head at all.

You may have to check with several locksmiths, but that may be your best source.

By the way, a locksmith is NOT the kid working behind the automotive counter at Wal-Mart. Check the yellow pages under "locks" or "locksmiths."

[gordon140]

I have now owned a 1989 Reatta for only 4 days and I have been researching the Key and Remote question.

My ignition key looks just like the 88 Reatta key posted by Padgett, but it is stamped "E" rather than "C". I have found an Ebay listing for rubber topped GM key blanks for "GM 1980 1987 1988 Chevy Monte Carlo" which have a different top and are marked "C" and "D" (see photo attachment). As an aside, my oval key is marked "D" and does not have a rubber top.

Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between GM ignition keys marked "C" versus "E"? Also, am I correct that there is no chip in the 1989 ignition key?

[padgett]

The "C" just indicates the groove design on the blank and GM changes that every year.

The thinner plastic coated key was used on about everything GM. See the top key in my first post.

Is interesting that this key is hard to find since it just says "GM" and not "Buick" or "Reatta".

Still no replies on the request

[reattaED]

I bought keys for my '90 Convertible from marcslockandkey. I found him on ebay and he has listed there severeral other times. I bought a generic key with the black plastic on the head that looks just like the original but doesn't have the GM on it. He said he has the ones with GM on them (after I had gotten mine) but they cost more. He will cut the keys also if you send a photo copy of your keys. His email address is 'micah913@comcast.net'. I found him very reasonable and easy to work with. When ordering, be sure to include the letter type code from the key.
Ed

[gordon140]

I gather that the original 1988 Reatta ignition key will be engraved with a "C" and the original 1989 ignition key is engraved with an "E" and the key blanks are not interchangeable.

What is the engraving for the 1990 and the 1991?


This makes trying to find the correct original plastic top GM ignition key blank much more difficult than I had imagined.