TJ'S DAD

I have a 1988 k1500, bare bones, no power anything (windows, seats, door locks, nothing) factory am/fm. You get the idea no frills
​​​​​​.
​​​​​​151,000 miles, I'm the second owner, bought about 6 years ago. Last fall the tranny failed me, so I backed into the garage. Now driving a 2001 k1500 with all the creature comforts, but I miss my '88. Getting ready to pull the tranny since its warming up a bit. Keys are not hanging on the hook with all my other keys. Looked everywhere, even pulled up the seats to see if I dropped them in the truck. No luck.

Here's the problem. Can't seem to get a locksmith willing to make a set or re-key this truck. Nobody wants to make keys for anything older than 2000 or so.
I would assume these would be easier than newer keys, no fobs to program, no computer, just cutting a key. But no-one wants to do it. My mechanic recommended someone. He will do the ignition for $300, and ignition and door for $350. Just to cut keys. Sounds like a lot for what's gonna be less than an hours work. Any ideas, or suggestions? I'll bite the bullet if I have to, just seems there has to be another option. Anybody else out there with an older car or truck that can help?

Thanks for reading.

Rednucleus

Wonder if a dealer could look up a code and get a key cut??

mountainmanjoe

this is why you always keep at least one spare