number8

iTrader: (2)

So, I parked my car last night. . . . out of site in a lot north of Danforth ( I know, I know . . that's my problem right there)
While it was there some "genius member of society" thought it would be clever to try and unlock my passenger door. . . . with something other than a key!
No noticeable damage, until today when I tried to put my key and it didn't go?!
Looks like the little slide cover just inside the lock is busted and stuck inside the keyhole. I can see what looks like a spring (likely the one that keeps the little flap in place) wedged into the key hole itself.
I am grateful that I still have all my glass, and that the attempt went no further. . . but I can't stand to leave it.
My question is: Is this something a locksmith can fix? Or might someone here have another recommendation? Thoughts?

Neo

iTrader: (4)

I understand a lot of people don't see these cars as special, but to the people who do, you have to keep in mind the rest of society is scum.
If you try to conceal the car somewhere sketchy, it's even easier for society to take a crack at it and attempt to vandalize if not steal the car entirely.
If you're going to leave it out in public, make sure you leave it in plain sight. With lots of lighting if you're in the evening.

That being said, 2 options.
1. Remove the lock assembly from the door and take it to the locksmith. If you're lucky nothing else internal would've been damaged
2. Have to get a new lock assembly. Which of course isn't easy since it might mean changing the key entirely.

Society has gotten worse over the years. I wouldn't trust the car to sit outside for long. Especially if it's in a sketchy neighbourhood.
Can't have nice things nowadays.

rx7racerca

iTrader: (1)

The probably used a screwdriver, or a pair of scissors. A locksmith seems like a good place to start - call someone up, tell them what happened, he should be able to tell you if it's something he can deal with.

number8

iTrader: (2)

Thanks, I figured as much. I guess I'll pull the lock when the rain stops and begin the hunt.
Neo, Sorry, I meant I parked it "out of sight" as in MY sight. Not that I tried to hide it?! It was a spacious, Well Lit, well traveled lot. Quite the opposite of a hidden/sketchy place.
Any thoughts on a locksmith? Automotive?

HiWire

The same thing happened to my driver's side lock when I parked it for a few minutes at First Markham Place (in front of Chapters) at Highway 7 and Woodbine. I took my car to Gyro Mazda to get the lock fixed... it wasn't cheap, but I learned my lesson.

RotaryMelon

iTrader: (7)

I just took my locks apart myself and deleted the flaps and springs entirely.
The little white pieces eventually got pushed into the tumbler pins and jammed them.
Just don't lose the little centering ball bearing when disassembling the lock, other than that it stays together fairly well

number8

iTrader: (2)

Thanks!
I've sent out some emails to local lockmiths to see what's what.
It's funny because everyone thinks I'm being ridiculous when I can't leave it alone. . or parked far away, but suddenly my paranoia is justified?!?!
The F* is wrong with people!
Tell me about "wasn't cheap" . . . . Just to compare. If you don't mind.

HiWire

It was over $200 to replace the lock. I'll see if I can find the bill.

number8

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for this!

i8aMR2

iTrader: (1)

Hey, sorry to hear. That happened to me a few weeks ago. With the lock still in the door, I gently used 2 small precision flathead screwdrivers and picked up the broken pieces like I was playing the game "Operation"lol. Now the flap is missing but my key goes in and turns fine. Goodluck! -Jason

Neo

iTrader: (4)

Back when I first got my car, I daily drove it (except during winter). Completely paranoid since I had to go to a lot of on site calls.
I still don't know how I managed to keep the car from getting dented/keyed/spat on/etc. Once I had enough cash for a 2nd car, I felt a lot better.
There was only one time when some douche parked 2mm from my driver door when I came back from the service call I had. When I first parked the car there was no one beside me And I parked the car as close to the wall as I could so getting in from the passenger side was not going to happen. I had to get in via the rear hatch.
I was livid. Because the person driving this hunk of junk Taurus wagon didn't even take the time to park correctly. And these are parking spaces that only fit 2 cars between walls so I had the common sense to reverse park the car and I left all the room in the world on the driver side.
Damn Taurus had 2 baby seats in the back.
I seriously doubt that person could get out from the driver side since they parked front first. They had to have gotten out from the passenger side.
After crawling into the driver seat via the rear hatch, I fired her up and rolled her out to examine the damage. Rest assure I had a nice dent near the middle of my door. Didn't go through the paint thankfully.
I took my house key and proceeded to key this persons car from the front quarter all the way to the rear hatch. I made sure it hit bare metal. Must've spent at least 5-7mins making sure the only way to fix this key job is to get the entire driver side painted.
Awful burgundy colour on that stupid Taurus wagon. Can't stand people who are lazy at parking and inconsiderate to their fellow drivers.

A lock smith will definitely be able to look at the lock assembly. As you can see getting a new assembly could result in a hefty repair.
Or, you can relive your youth and attempt "operation" on it.

23Racer

Note to self, "don't squeeze Neo in a parking lot".

Eric

Neo

iTrader: (4)

When you go out of your way to make sure the other person has plenty of room for them to negotiate their own door, and you come back to find out the person who decided to park beside you not only park incorrectly, but leave you 2mm of room between your door and theirs, that deserves some action.

I know you wouldn't park like that Eric.

number8

iTrader: (2)

Thanks gents, I'm gonna go in for a round of "operation" and see what kind of skills I have left
Worse case remove and attempt repair.
It's nice/terrible to hear I'm not alone in this, but seriously why can't we just have nice things and not have to stress about leaving them alone for a few minutes!?!?!?

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

If you can get another cylinder you can get it repinned to accept your key.

i8aMR2

iTrader: (1)

There's a guy in South Africa with flame throwers installed on the sides of his car. If only I can make my car start up and direct it's hot exhaust to the perp...

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

Situations like that is why I carry a Schrader valve tool in the glove box of each car.

number8

iTrader: (2)

Well, I dug the damaged parts out of the lock and it still works! (I guess i still have some "operation" skills) Awesome! How much should I stress over the little slider that's missing now? RotaryMelon, I know you said you did this intentionally, so I wonder if it's a big deal? I would like it. . . .If only for continuity at this point. But is it needed?

number8

iTrader: (2)

Hahaha! Your car just starts up and revs to 8k. . . . . . Igniting the shoes of the would be thief! I love it. . . . . Order 2!

i8aMR2

iTrader: (1)

The key hole flap thing? It's useless, unless you park it outside during a freezing rain storm.