I recently decided to restore my dad's camaro, problem is the keys are lost. Would it be best to get a new ignition switch, or bring the current one to a locksmith?

 

Welcome, Blake,
Wouldn't it be nice if key codes were in Owner's Manual or on the Bill Of Sale?
Then locksmith would make keys to GM code, or dealer might, with proper ownership papers to you as picture ID ais required.
Same goes for tumbler from any GM dealer and you need key to match VATS.
Hopefully radio security code was written down also.

Doesn't hurt to ask locksmith.
Good luck.

 

Helps a lot if you can go to the dealer that originally sold it. That assumes that still have the info. Back in 89 only the original dealer would have had the info needed to make a key.

The process to make a new key is going to be pricey. The column must be pulled a part and once the cylinder is out you can had that to a parts guy. He can determine the key based on the parts used in the cylinder. The resistor in the key is another story. You have 16 possible resistors and its trial and error. The dealer should have a box that will allow them to test BUT if they try a resistor and it is wrong they have to wait 5 minutes before they can retry so you could have up to a hour and a half in labor just in the resistor testing.

Last time I did the process it was for a customer who was traveling and lost his key to his vet. I cost him $325 but that was in 1989.