lost keys

[Lkcast]

i believe that i have the original keys and locks in place on my 1981 Fiat 2000 and just recently have been unable to locate the keys does any one know if it is possible to get a set made. i would hate to have to change all the locks, trunk and door and ignition. thanks

[81SPIDERMATT]

this problem can be easily solved with a locksmith and some cash .... most likely less than a 100 bucks but probably closer to that figure than further ... if you take into account the cost and labor to switch everything out and time waiting for the parts... for me it would be a no brainer

[Lkcast]

thanks but around here it is over a hundred just to get then to show up. so now the question is how do i get the ignition switch out without the key as i need to turn it to the right position to remove it. thank for any help or suggestions.

[spider2081]

You could bring the steering column to the locksmith. Remove the bolt holding the shaft to the steering box under the dash. Remove t he 2 nuts holding the column to the member below the dash and disconnect the 2 electrical plugs. I think there is also a single wire connector you need to remove.

[81SPIDERMATT]

from what I understand about removing the cylinder without a key (read destroy) that is an excellent idea ... never would have thought about that

[FiatnamedCarmen]

Hi there ,
Not sure if you solved your key problem yet, but I had the same problem w my (new) 1982. Had two locksmiths out and they couldn't make a key. Searched on this site all day and found the solution. Remove the round silver cover on the ignition (pry off) and you will find the code to give to a locksmith underneath. They can make a key from this code! Pretty sure for the door and trunk will have to remove lock and take in to have a key made. Hope this helps

[Lkcast]

no i havent fixed the problem yet, i will give that a try, about the trunk though is there an easy way to get that opened ? some guy here wants to drill a hole in the trunk behind the license plate and i really do not want to do that. any help would be greatly appreciated.

[mscafide]

I'm doing this from memory and don't have one in front of me.

It's not the front cover that gets removed but the part with the contacts behind the switch. The washer or disc that comes out has the code punched in it and the locksmith should have the codebook to punch up a key.

Again this is from memory 3 or more decades ago.
Mike

[FiatnamedCarmen]

We removed the cover from the top of the lock and the code was stamped on the lock underneath. As far as the trunk goes, we were able to open it with a screwdriver. The lock will have to be replaced, but no holes anywhere. To close we just use the screwdriver again.
1982 Fiat Spider

[redcars]

If you locks are original the doors, trunk, and glove box will all use the same key. Just take the lock off the glove box and take it to a lock smith to get the keys made.

[Lkcast]

ok folks thanks for all the good advise on the ignition i just replaced it and am now happy to say we are on the road again. now i would really like to get into the trunk. is there a proven method to do this as i do not wish to damage the exterior and would gladly replace the old lock. any good ideas and or instructions would be appreciated.

[BEEK]

the hole behind the license plate is the best idea. draw an x between the tag mounting bolt holes, measure up 1" then drill a small hole, you can use a screw driver to trip the latch. then put a rubber plug in the hole, most people will think it is there just to keep the license plate from rattling or scratching the paint.

[RRoller123]

[Lkcast]

can i get a look at the inside so that i may visualize exactly what i am tripping? i am a rather visual kind of person. thanks

[Lkcast]

just a heads up, it was time to replace the plates on my Spider this month so what do i find but a hole 2 inches down from the trunk lid. i used a Philips head screw driver turned it to the left and pop went the trunk. so i have ordered the new lock and so for a total of 225.oo i now have new ignition and trunk lock and keys. this i believe is less than the cost of a lock smith AND their charge for installing new locks. thanks all for all the advise and assistance.