Topic: Tailgate and Tailgate lock swap

[chrisfranklin]

I bought a new tailgate because my old one got dented after the previous owner "clutzed" backward in to something hard.  Since I am gearing up to do a factory-black paint job on the body, I figured I'd go ahead and just get another tailgate from a junkyard, ebay, etc.  before I did the paint work.  ended up with one in decent shape for $120 total including shipping.

As you know, the tailgate lock uses your iginition key.  With a new tailgate, I have a lock that obviously won't work with my igntion key anymore.

So, what do you think I ought to do about the tailgate lock:

1.  Pull the old tailgate, install the new one and have a locksmith make a key for the new one?  Settle for having one ignition key/door lock key/glovebox key, but a different key for the tailgate?

2.  Pull the cylinder lock off the new tailgate and swap in the cylinder lock from the old tailgate?  Ignition key thus stays same for all locks like it was originally.


(Note: the problem I am having with choice #2 is it looks like a cylinder type lock and I don't know how to pull it out in order to replace it with the second - it isn't obvious how it is attached and does not appear to thread in somehow.  Any 4Banger locksmiths/body experts out there?  I just want to swap the cylinders and leave the handles and mechanisms in tact.  But the cylinder is putting up a lot of trouble.  Going to check out some auto lock, body sites see what I can dig up).  Thanks.

 

[lanulos89]

if your willing to have a lock smith make you a new key for the lock why not have him swap out the cylinders??

[chrisfranklin]

Thanks for at least responding with something. But, it's the locksmith who might be going  on that one.

[lanulos89]

we used to have a blazer and it had separate keys for the door, and the ignition, and it would drive us crazy so id try and swap the cylinders, call around and see if you can find a lock smith who knows how to swap auto lock cylinders.  thats what i'd do at least, probably call up a couple body shops in your area, there you'll get the best answers

[Jeffy]

Why not swap cylinders?  It's not that hard.  You have to take the black panel off and look for the cylinder.  They use shims on the backside to lock them into place.  You might have to disconnect an a bracket but it's pretty easy.  A locksmith will need teh cylinder removed if you're going to have it rekeyed anyway.  You have a working cylinder in your old tailgate so why spend more money?

[chrisfranklin]

They use shims on the backside to lock them into place.  You might have to disconnect an a bracket but it's pretty easy.  A locksmith will need teh cylinder removed if you're going to have it rekeyed anyway.  You have a working cylinder in your old tailgate so why spend more money?

I guess I need to pull the shim that locks the cylinder in place