I just bought a 1978 F-150 with the 6.6 has any one had on of these motors. It looks like a 351C from the front, the guy I bought it from said he was told it was a sb400. Has any one heard of a 400 small block. The first thing I have to do is replace the ign switch with out having a key.
Is there a way to remove the IGNITION CYLINDER with out a key. I need to put all new gaskets & a tune up now. I will put pic's later.

Thanks Bill

 

6.6 is a 400 , I never did think of them as small block, that's a chevy term, we talk fords here , L.O.L.
The only way i know to get the switch out is to break it and get all new stuff.

 

I thought you could pop it out with a paper clip. That was on my '69 Fairlane I hadn't noticed whether my truck's was any different.

BTW here's a write up on the 351M/400. It's derived from the 351C block, many parts are interchangeable or adaptable but they aren't the same.

History of the Ford 351M

 

The paper clip way is how i do it but i don't know if you can do it with out the key, never tried it.

 

Only with the key...

 

I got a new ign cyl with the set from NPD when I rekeyed my truck (po didn't have door keys to give me). Whats the "paper clip trick"? I couldn't figure out how to swap that cyl, even with my key.

 

You use the paper clip or some other small wire to push though a tiny hole on the front side to push in on a small button that unlocks the switch as you turn it counter clock wise with the old key. Then push the new key tumbler in and turn it clock wise to lock it in place. Every time I'v bought a new key set and tumblers there has been instructions showing how it's done.

 

Thanks for the info. The Ocala NPD warehouse is on my way home from visiting family. I stopped by there and grabbed a door/ignition cyl set but it was just the hardware, no paper instructions. I supposed I could've looked through my service manual CD, but that would be too simple

 

Thanks Guys for the info I know about the paper clip, I was just not sure if it would work with out the key. Does any one offer the door & ign. switch keyed the same. And as for the 400 I have not checked yet but he told me that there were some 400's that used the SB bolt pattern for the trans like the 351C. I just picked it up & have not had time to really check every thing out.
Thanks Bill

 

I picked up my keyed-alike 3 pc. set from NPD for about $20. Dont know what shipping would run for that little bit since I picked mine up locally. They've got Ford blanks too if you want em. The keys you get with the set are just generic Ford style.

 

A locksmith cut a key for me once , it was only $60

 

When the truck was new, the same key would have been used for the ignition switch and both doors. If the doors are original to the truck, you could try popping the lock cylinder out of the door and take it to a locksmith. He can pop the tumbler cover and cut you a matching key based on that lock cylinder. I don't think he could make a fresh key with the ignition cylinder still in the dash because you need access to the tumbler cover.

The only other option would be to drill out and destroy the original lock cyilnder.

 

I bought both door locks and ignition switch ,matching keys for about $25.00 . I believe a lock smith will charge a lot more for just the key . That's the reason i went that way so i could have it all keyed the same.

 

The key must be turned to the left (accessory position) first .. before inserting the paper clip. The cylinder cannot be removed from the switch with the key in any other position.

When new, these trucks came with two sets of keys and one or two round dime sized discs per set with the key code stamped on them. Some peeps removed these discs from the key rings, stuck 'em inside the glove box.

If you find one of these discs, take it to a locksmith, they have books they can look the code up, cut you a new key in a matter of minutes using a hand held key cutter.

Note: Rounded head key used for lockable glove box, not all these truck have one. Key code different (begins with FB) for round key. Door lock/ignition key has a flat head, code begins with FA

Locksmiths can "pick the ignition cylinder" while it's still in the switch, then make a new key, but it's much more expensive doing it this way.

Locksmiths, Ford parts guys can "eyeball" the depth of the key cuts (1 thru 5, with 5 being the deepest), then cut a new key using a hand held key cutter. I cut 100's of keys by eyeballing them.

Pop the cover off, remove each tumbler, place in sequential order. If you can eyeball these tumblers as to their length: VOILA, you now have the key code.

 

Well i'v done it many many times and may have not gave the Exact way but i figured it was enough information that if he had any mechanical smarts at all he should be able to do it.