<VV> Thieves (no Corvair)

[henry kaczmarek]

John
Actually, there ARE new Laser Cutter key machines that can cut a key by the 
VIN number.  They have been out now for about 2 years.

Most dealers don't have them, because BOY, are they EXPENSIVE!!!!

Prices range from 3600.00 (for one that can't read the VIN) to about 7000.00 
(for one that can cut from the VIN)

Actually in the case of GM, you don't punch the VIN into the machine.  You 
have to take the vin #, log on to GM Dealerworld, (only dealership personnel 
have access to the key code sections) then punch in the VIN#, to get the 3 
or 4 character alphanumeric code that you get when you buy the car.

THEN---you have to log onto another website, or have a very recently printed 
key code book (for the newer cars), that usually only dealers and locksmiths 
have, to get the number code to plug into the key machine, or to set up an 
old style punch machine to get the key made.

So the URBAN MYTH part of your response is no longer  true.  With the newer 
vehicles, such as the Chevy Aveo (made for GM by Daewoo), the keys are 
almost impossible to cut without a laser cutter. And at 80.00 dealer cost 
per key (the remote unlock transmitter is part of the key), you don't want 
to be trying to cut them without one. Your GM is gonna get mad!!  What if 
your dealer is too cheap to buy one like mine was??  You get in your parts 
truck and drive across town to a dealer that does, and pay HIM to cut your 
extra keys.

Soon, new vehicles from all manufacturers will have "smart keys" like 
Mercedes-Benz does now. And there will be no need for key cutting machines. 
But it kinda puts the locksmiths out of the picture, and will be a big 
problem for consumers.

Hank
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Kepler" <bigjohnohio at worldnet.att.net>
To: "Clark Hartzel" <chartzel at comcast.net>; "Virtual Vairs" 
<virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2005 9:02 AM
Subject: Re: <VV> Thieves (no Corvair)


>
> It seems most car dealers have computerized
>> key cutting machines these days and thieves just read your VIN on the 
>> dash
>> and go to a dealer and get duplicate keys made.
>
> This is a COMPLETE "urban myth", one that's been around for about 30 years
> in fact.  Don't believe me?  Take your VIN and ask Mr. Goodwrench to make
> you a key!
>
> John
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> This message was sent by the VirtualVairs mailing list, all copyrights are 
> the property
> of the writer, please attribute properly. For help, 
> mailto:vv-help at corvair.org
> This list sponsored by the Corvair Society of America, 
> http://www.corvair.org/
> Post messages to: VirtualVairs at corvair.org
> Change your options: 
> http://www.vv.corvair.org/mailman/options/virtualvairs
> _______________________________________________
>