Piddling with my '53, I think I just realized something I hadn't before. Are there different keys for the ignition and doors? I only have one key, the one that fits the ignition. It doesn't seem to work in the door locks. (They're out in a bucket) I know I can buy new lock cylinders, but can a locksmith take mine apart and re-create a key for these? I know it's probably cheaper to buy new ones, but just interested....

 

I would assume so I have had locksmiths make keys for locks and change locks to fit keys, but I'm not sure if these cheesy auto locks can be done the same way.

BTW, Brian B and Himmelberg are the only FTE'ers I know qualified to answer an "academic" question.

 

I'll be sure and avoid those guys like the plague, then... Accurate knowledge would just completely screw me up....

 

I think most of the old locks have a number stamped on the cylinder that gives the locksmith a code to create a key. I think having a key made would be cheaper than a new lock. I had one made for a Ch**y and it was $10 for the first and $1.50 for copies.

 

Good to know..I'll investigate...!

 

I think you have the same lock that is used through 60. The easiest thing is probably going to be to change the pins in the lock to match the ignition key.

Here's what the lock looks like with the cover off and one set of pins removed:


Here's a close-up of the pin, follower and spring:


The pins are 3/32" in diameter. That shouldn't be too hard to match. Locksmiths have assortements of pins. You put the key into the cylinder and swap pins until the tops are all level with the top of the cylinder.

Definately something a fella can do himself. You do need steady hands (which I don't have, that's why I'm now down a spring and a follower )

Cal

 

cal401,

Great pictures, Thank you.

 

That's the same lock, alright. YOU DA MAN, Cal! I like that idea of all matching.

 

I don't think I've ever seen a 50's Ford truck with matching door and ignition keys. Did they come that way from the factory?

Cal

 

Sorry, confused... No, I don't think it came that way, but I'm thinking it'd be nice to make them match. I thought that was what you were saying. You're pic is the same lock as my '53.

 

I had the doors and the rear door on a 55 panel pinned to match the ignition key for $19.95 at a licensed locksmith. No problem with the proper equip.

 

My stepson is a lock smith and he told me he would do it for me and make them match. .............RUSTY

 

I had the right side done on my truck for 10 bucks. That was me taking the lock out and walking in with it. A 60 looks alot like that but they have two little tabs that stick out on the end and that is what locks the truck.

 

Sorry about the confusion. That is what I was suggesting. One of my catalogs indicates that the same lock was used from 1953 through 1960.

10 bucks a lock to rekey. That's a scam! It's a couple of minutes work per lock. I think I gonna open up a little side biz.

That lock is out of a '60, but one of the tabs broke off. (The beginning of a series of events that led to my truck getting stolen -- don't worry, he's back) I tried to epoxy the finger back on, but no joy. It's pot metal.

Cal

 

I bought a set of matching door cylinders and ignition cylinder from So-Cal Pickups a while back, to fit '57 to '60. I think LMC carries those now. Considering how worn the ignition cylinders can get, this might be a wise investment rather than mess around with the old lock parts.

I've also made my own keys to fit when a truck came without a door key. It's pretty simple if you can get someone to sell you a blank key, and have a couple of jeweller's files. Take out the inner (rotating) cylinder part, mark the center of each pin on the key blank with a scriber, then one at a time, starting from the back, put in a pin and file down the key until it's level.