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All of my catalogs and stuff are all boxed up at the moment, so I wonder if somebody can throw me a bone on this. Sometime in the course of the last 15 years, the ignition key for my '52 F-2 has disappeared. I though I knew where it was, but it's got up and walked off at some point. I want to keep the original ignition switch assembly and avoid going aftermarket if possible. Can we get new lock cylinders with keys for these anywhere? If not, can a locksmith make me a key for reasonable money? I'm in the same boat with the door locks, but I did buy a NOS glovebox door lock with keys. I figured on trying to get a locksmith to repin the door locks to match it. I'd rather have a different key for the ignition switch, though. Help?
While it may be possible someone has an old NOS set laying around somewhere, I haven't seen anything in the aftermarket that will replace the lock cylinder in an original ignition switch. That said, a good locksmith should be able to make you a key for it without too much difficulty. Whether or not it'll be cheap will depend on how greedy the locksmiths are in your area, or how badly they want to do the job. I've heard of locksmith prices being all over the board, from not bad to crazy stupid expensive.
Well... I went thru this recently trying to get a key cut for a Master padlock that had the key code on it; in other words, the code that would allow a locksmith to cut a key from scratch. The cheapest I found was $25. Note that that doesn't involve playing with the cylinder, just cutting a key. 4 out of 5 locksmiths told me to throw the lock away.
I have an original 52 door lock and ignition cylinder laying around here from my F-1. I'll make sure it all works and get back to you on it. I won't be needing it in that truck after all, so I think i can part with it if you need it and if it all still works. I'm sure the ignition does, just worried about the door lock
Yeah, I did some more searching and my key is definitely in the wind. Beyond that, these things aren't built like modern switches. Once it has been inserted and locked in place, there's not really any way to get the lock cylinder out of the switch without trashing both parts anyway. Looks like I need to find a replacement. Flathead 1952, I'd certainly be interested in your ignition switch. I've got the door locks covered, so that's not a big deal. Send me an e-mail at on_into_the_night at yahoo dot com. Thanks!