My '71 Vista Cruiser has the original "A" and "B" keys for Ignition/Doors and Glove Box/Cargo Lock respectively.
The tailgate key switch (Power TG window) was replaced at some point and is a "C" code with its accompanying key.
I'd like to recode the TG switch to match the "A" key. Am I correct that I will need an "A" cylinder along with the tumblers, or can a "C" cylinder be recoded to an "A"
Picture of the TG lock/switch:

 

Yes. To rekey to a different letter, you need a cylinder made for the different letter. (The lateral flutes on each key letter are in different positions, so the cylinder must have correctly positioned guides. Those are non-adjustable.)

I've found cylinders through wanted ads or searching on eBay.

Once you get an "A" cylinder, expert locksmith Joe Padavano can rekey that to match your "A" original key.

 

Thanks Gary!

 

Gary, I see in my parts book there are 2 different key lock assys, 1 for A bodies & Toro, the other for B & C bodies. Can I assume that both use the same cylinder and the cylinder heads are different? eBay has both, but thought I'd ask.

 

Karl,

I'm unsure what those different parts book entries signify. There are no universal cylinders for an A body in each year.

In each car there are differences in the facing, the plug (rotating part), or the tangs at the end that mate with the lock linkage. e.g., the cylinder assembly for a 1970 wagon door may not be identical to that for a tailgate on the same car.

As well, the console uses a different cylinder assembly from any in the car.

Get a lock with both these characteristics...
1. It was used in A bodies of your year--that gives the correct keyway
2. The picture shows a match to the look of your tailgate cylinder--that gives the correct cylinder body

Another source will be a wanted ad in CO or a PM to one of our members, such as 2blu442, who has a stockpile of our old cars.

Gary

 

I was able to disassemble the lock assy to get the cylinder out, but as I suspected, the back end of the cylinder is indeed unique to this lock assy. A door lock cylinder won't work.
Here's a picture:



Looks like I'll have to find a '71 Vista, Cutlass, Skylark or Chevelle wagon lock.