Chevy & GMC Vans

THX FOR THE REPLY

Anyone out there ever tried to get/use slightly longer bolts rather than re-indexed keys?
Also, looking at the pic earlier where on key lays on top ot the other to show the index difference got me to wondering...
If you flipped the stock key over and then lay it over the indexed key, what would it show?
Could they be useable and re-indexed by about the right amount, just by flipping it over?
Anyone got a set of each to look at and maybe show us another pic, with the stock key flipped ?

doyoulikeithere wrote:Anyone out there ever tried to get/use slightly longer bolts rather than re-indexed keys?

Good question. The key might hit the top of the inside of the crossmember.

Ok so here are a few thoughts. I don't know them to be true just my 2cents.

Testing this would obviously be the key and i may be over thinking it all.

~ As to welding onto the bolt surface of the key, this would be possible and likely work but there is a dimple in the face that that the tensioner rides in. I think mimicking this in the new face will be important. This helps keep the pressure on the bolt perpendicular to the key as it spins upward so that it won't bend the bolt.

~ i think this also becomes an issue with the longer bolt. When you spin up to the point that the tensioner bolt is nearing the edge of the dimple on its rotational path you are likely to bend the bolt because the key is pushing sideways not down. You also begin loosing leverage over the key as it passes perpendicular to the bolt. The new bolt would also need a rounded end as the stock bolt is to ride smoothly in the key dimple and not create to much galling.


~ if no one else does it first....next time i am under my van i will look at flipping the stock key and see where it sits. The dimple on the surface and the surface will again need to be mimicked and would need to sit somewhere near perpendicular to the bolt for this to work out ok.

With all this said, there is some ability for the bolt retainer to pivot to help facilitate this the bolt sitting correctly in relation to the key...... Sounds like a good experiment.

Ryan

thx everyone to these replies

timelessbeing wrote:

doyoulikeithere wrote:Anyone out there ever tried to get/use slightly longer bolts rather than re-indexed keys?

Good question. The key might hit the top of the inside of the crossmember.

Ya, I checked that out, you would have to cut a notch in the cross member. I got my keys at Air-Bag-It, around $80. Here's the thread that shows the comparison. viewtopic.php?f=67&t=8761