As I recall the ignition key in a 1971 should also unlock the glove box. However, on the car I recently bought it doesn't. Any ideas on how to get it open?

Is there just one key or is the door lock a separate key?

 

My 69 may be different, but I have an ignition key and a door/glove box key.

Here is a link to another forum:

https://forums.jag-lovers.com/t/e-ty...ox-key/94488/2

 

Mine is a separate key - I think they all were. I didn't have a key, but an old fashioned locksmith made me one. He had a bundle of 100's of keys all similar, found one that worked, and made me a copy.

 

Thanks for the tip. I'm convinced there is a missing key. But this gives me the opportunity to tell my stupid me key story.

Back in 1971 I was driving along at highway speed in my new 1970 E-Type. I decided I needed something out of the glove box. So I put it in neutral, coasted at 60 mph, pulled the key out of the ignition and reached over to unlock the glove box. (Both keys were on the same leather fob.) Much to my surprise the steering locked up as I tried to turn to follow the road. (There was a steering column lock I'd forgotten about!!) Stupid stuff you do when you are 22 years old.

 

FWIW my '73 has two separate keys for the door and glovebox. Both are small keys marked "Union" as opposed to the much larger key for the ignition/steering column.

 

My 71 is a rare 4.2. It was picked up for shipping to me yesterday. When it arrives I will wrestle with it. Might be interesting stuff in the glove box the person I bought it from can't open it.

 

Car has two ignition and glove box keys. Both T shaped keys fit the glove box lock but neither will open it. Any ideas?

 

It may be that the glove box keys have some burrs on the edges that keep them from turning the tumbler. If you have some 3M redpad, or synthetic steel wool

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00051157/

buff the cut edges of the key to remove the burrs... then try the key again. The inside of the lock may also need a bit of assistance... dry lube. This stuff works for many applications:

 

Good advice from Valerie. Have you tried the keys in the door locks? Are your two small keys the same? These locks are not very sophisticated so worst case if you can find a blank at Moss or similar supplier then a decent locksmith should be able to take it from there.

 

The fact they fit in the lock doesn't mean they are the correct keys. Especially with worn cylinders like those on older cars. If the above ideas don't work, find a locksmith

 

I am going to look at the GB lock in my 69. Not sure if a narrow strip of stiff metal (like a knife) might be able to depress the latch enough to get it open, then you can take the lock/lock cylinder out and get a key made.

 

Looked at the latch and it may be able to be hacked. I'll have more time in the next few days.

 

Looked at the latch and that probably can't be forced open without damage. However, I noticed on my car, that the glove box door hinges may be able to be unscrewed. Get a look underneath and see if you can get to the hinge screws. I could access the right one, and loosening one may allow the door to shift enough to free it from the latch. Have photos if you need them.

 

MrVette,

How are you coming along with your glove box?