Redliner223

iTrader: (6)

I bought a rear louver off of a '78 Spark Yellow rx7 and the key was lost to time.
Does anyone have a picture, specs, a spare key that I could buy, have, or copy?
I don't know if it's important to have or not.
Also if anyone has pictures of their louvers and how it's mounted to their car I would appreciate anything I can get.

Qingdao

iTrader: (3)

A REAL locksmith is hard to find, but if you can find one he can make a key on the spot no problem.

I've been dabbling in locksmithing of late and if you're crafty with some time you can dissasymble the lock in your louvers and make a key for it. Its really not hard.

If you are SUPER crafty, you can take the tumblers out of it and scavage some tumblers that fit your car's key and make the louver's lock match yours.

Redliner223

iTrader: (6)

Hmm. Didn't think of switching the locks on the louver but I have no idea how to do any of that.
Have you attempted or accomplished making a key?

NCross

iTrader: (18)

Should just be like an allen key. I think mine just used an allen. Factory aluminum.

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

I have to disagree. In my shed, i have a rear glass and factory louver from my bros wrecked 83 (owned since it was new) . The key is not an allen but a tiny key.

Qingdao

iTrader: (3)

Wait... this is like a tinny key like for a tool box or roof rack?

If so then pop out the old lock and slap in a new one. Key and lock sets are availble at most hardware stores.


And yeah my 84 had a key broken in the ignition, so I took the two halves and tumblers out of the door lock. Tinny file and 30min latter I had a key that works all the doors and ign perfect. I went to Lowes a day latter to get a copy made and what I got was horrible. I just ended up buying a blank and making a second key myself.


I've since then sworn to NEVER having "Oh this key works the doors and that one works the ignition" ever again!

OH, FYI that door on the lock is a PAIN IN THE RUMP to re-install.

Redliner223

iTrader: (6)

This is what the lock looks like. I'm sure you guys already know. Lol
How hard is it to understand the tumblers?

NCross

iTrader: (18)

My louver was an allen type key. It came in a factory sealed "Mazda genuine OEM" box from a dealer that had been sitting on the shelf since the early 80s. I'm a locksmith could get you worked out. Although they may charge $100 or more without a master key.

Qingdao

iTrader: (3)

There aren't any tumblers... thats not a lock. Figure out something that fits in it and twist.


The word "lock" refers to being locked down or secured.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

I'm with this guy.
That 'lock" looks like childsplay and can be "locked/unlocked" with just about anything that is in the shape of this:
L..or upside down T

Redliner223

iTrader: (6)

So I stuck a small screw driver in it and I got one to "lock" and "unlock".
The one that wouldn't spin I opened it up and I'm completely lost as to why in the world it even exists.
The metal piece that extends from the "lock" is stationary, it doesn't move whats so ever. So, you're not locking anything.
I'll post pictures tomorrow when I can get some good lighting for my camera.
I can't be the only person with this set of louvers. :/

Redliner223

iTrader: (6)

yeah.... got some pictures.
What's it locking???? lol

Qingdao

iTrader: (3)

Nice little bird turd.

Redliner223

iTrader: (6)

Soooo. Both of my locks are broken.
The "bird turn" is actually epoxy that was used to hold the lock in the "locked position.
It's supposed to have a metal spring in it that would pull the metal piece back a hair so it would unlock the louver so you can clean your glass.
Oh, well.

Redliner223

iTrader: (6)

Just to follow up.
The manufacturer was called Interpart and they all came with this lock mechanism.
Attached is the universal key they came with. I will make one for myself.
I'll be keeping an eye out for a set with some good locks and hopefully with my brain come up with a good replacement.
Can anyone give me any ideas on how to make something like this work again?

Redliner223

iTrader: (6)

Essentially what they created was a very simple dead bolt.

PaulMelis

Hello. I have a 1985 rx7, just picked up louvers. Are you able to post some photos of how the louvers sit and of their clips that mount it to the car, as well as the 2 metal bars that are only attached at 1 end near the locking mechs. under the louvers? Are those for propping the louvers up so the window may be cleaned? How should these pieces sit when the louvers are down? Thank you so much.

aeenox

I have a key!! When I bought my car it came with the keys. But I dont have louvers on my car. I've been wondering what it was since i got my car. Imma post a picture later.

aeenox