Ignition Removal Without Key?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
If there is a secret, I wish I had known it. Had to drill mine out!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ignition-Switch-Set-Ford-F100-1961-66-61-62-63-64-65-66-/121247128341?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c3ae45b15&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ignition-Switch-Set-Ford-F100-1961-66-61-62-63-64-65-66-/121247128341?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c3ae45b15&vxp=mtr
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
I was not successful drilling the key assembly out while trying to salvage the switch. Started w/ small bit and worked up to dia. of the key assembly; keeping in mind only want to remove the key assembly and not go all the way thru the switch. Perhaps by purchasing the key and switch beforehand one can gage distance to drill; in addition, better understanding how the 2 components tie together??
There is a concentric cam at the end of the key assembly that inserted into a corresponding concentric slot in the switch, the only way to align the 2 is with the key and the use of a paper clip to dislodge the retaining ball. The clearance between the 2 is minimal, if any, thus trying to drill out one w/out damaging the other is extremely difficult; as noted, can only go in one way, if not, speaking from experience, nothing like driving down the road while the key assembly is rolling around on the floorboard, or turning the key off only to have the engine continue running.
There is a concentric cam at the end of the key assembly that inserted into a corresponding concentric slot in the switch, the only way to align the 2 is with the key and the use of a paper clip to dislodge the retaining ball. The clearance between the 2 is minimal, if any, thus trying to drill out one w/out damaging the other is extremely difficult; as noted, can only go in one way, if not, speaking from experience, nothing like driving down the road while the key assembly is rolling around on the floorboard, or turning the key off only to have the engine continue running.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally the ignition key matched the door lock cylinders. If this is so, remove a door lock cylinder, take it to a key shop, ask them to make a new key for it.
There's a cover on the cylinder and once it's removed, there are 5 tumblers inside that vary in length. Matching the length of the tumblers, key shop can make a new key.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
It cannot be done properly without the key. The switch is retained to the dash with a bezel, but in order to remove the bezel, the ignition cylinder has to be removed...first.
Originally the ignition key matched the door lock cylinders. If this is so, remove a door lock cylinder, take it to a key shop, ask them to make a new key for it.
There's a cover on the cylinder and once it's removed, there are 5 tumblers inside that vary in length. Matching the length of the tumblers, key shop can make a new key.
Originally the ignition key matched the door lock cylinders. If this is so, remove a door lock cylinder, take it to a key shop, ask them to make a new key for it.
There's a cover on the cylinder and once it's removed, there are 5 tumblers inside that vary in length. Matching the length of the tumblers, key shop can make a new key.
In the event the ignition key does not match the door locks then this item may be an option??? Shipping appears reasonable and the seller has a favorable rating. In addition, if use caution and not mark or damage appears seller offers 2 week refundable?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Door-Ignition-Locks-With-Keys-Ford-F-100-Truck-61-62-63-64-65-66-/301010545872?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4615a06cd0&vxp=mtr
An issue I have had in the past is finding a 'locksmiths' with the experience, or willingness to produce a key using a vintage tumbler; if so, usually found the cost was greater than a replacement. Keep us posted? Anticipating Bill's comment; yes, imagine there was a time when you would be able to purchase, or have a buggy wipe repaired but finding a crafts man in that field today may be difficult.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
And this is why Bill makes the extra FTE bucks. 
Learn long time ago to Bookmark Bill's (ND) post for future references!!
Where are the FTE bucks? No see um.
In the event the ignition key does not match the door locks then this item may be an option??? Shipping appears reasonable and the seller has a favorable rating. In addition, if use caution and not mark or damage appears seller offers 2 week refundable?
Door Ignition Locks with Keys Ford F 100 Truck 61 62 63 64 65 66 | eBay
Learn long time ago to Bookmark Bill's (ND) post for future references!! Where are the FTE bucks? No see um.
In the event the ignition key does not match the door locks then this item may be an option??? Shipping appears reasonable and the seller has a favorable rating. In addition, if use caution and not mark or damage appears seller offers 2 week refundable?
Door Ignition Locks with Keys Ford F 100
Truck 61 62 63 64 65 66 | eBay
(sigh) Another clueless ebay seller.C3AZ-6222050-B .. Ignition & Door Lock Set / Reproduced ~ DC's 2011 paper catalog price: $50.00
Applications: 1961/64 Galaxie/LTD / 1961/66 F100/1100 / 1963/69 N/NT/T500/1100 / 1967/69 F800/1000.
Ace Lock & Key, located on Lincoln Blvd. in Santa Monica, has been in business since grandma was a gal. I've patronized them for almost 50 years.
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 370
From: PHX AZ
It cannot be done properly without the key. The switch is retained to the dash with a bezel, but in order to remove the bezel, the ignition cylinder has to be removed...first.
Originally the ignition key matched the door lock cylinders. If this is so, remove a door lock cylinder, take it to a key shop, ask them to make a new key for it.
There's a cover on the cylinder and once it's removed, there are 5 tumblers inside that vary in length. Matching the length of the tumblers, key shop can make a new key.
Originally the ignition key matched the door lock cylinders. If this is so, remove a door lock cylinder, take it to a key shop, ask them to make a new key for it.
There's a cover on the cylinder and once it's removed, there are 5 tumblers inside that vary in length. Matching the length of the tumblers, key shop can make a new key.
I have a de-coder book for all FoMoCo products of the day. I taught my daughter how to do this on her '66 Ranger. We never had a door lock key but were able to change tumblers in door lock to match the ignition key.
I also have the proper punch dies and key cutter punch to make the keys like Ford did vs grinding them.
Interesting stuff, ND was there so he remembers. Us old timers I guess . . A good lock guy can take a quick glance at one of these old keys without ever touching it and go make one . . I may be able to do that maybe with just one measurement of one single cut.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 370
From: PHX AZ
Interesting, I found an original Key chain (holder) from Bill W Ford in Scottsdale
I was told it was from 1965 or 1966
I was just looking at the Key Punch device for Ford keys and have a few NOS key blanks so may make a key by using code for the '70 Ranger
Ford used only 1863 different possible key codes for the reversible 5 position keys.
Ford used 999 possible key codes for 1966 Truck style key
I have key cut codes for all 1863 possible cuts.
I was told it was from 1965 or 1966
I was just looking at the Key Punch device for Ford keys and have a few NOS key blanks so may make a key by using code for the '70 Ranger
Ford used only 1863 different possible key codes for the reversible 5 position keys.
Ford used 999 possible key codes for 1966 Truck style key
I have key cut codes for all 1863 possible cuts.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Locksmiths, partsguys could 'eyeball' the cuts of the keys, or the length of the tumblers, then cut a new key using a hand cutter.
Actor Lorne Greene bought a new 1985 Town Car from Lynch Motors in Santa Monica, wanted 8 additional sets of keys.
Lynch didn't have a grinder, so I had to cut 16 ten cut keys using a hand cutter.
About half way through, salesman and Greene came to the counter, wanted to know if I was finished yet. Salesman said Greene was in a hurry.
I said this is a tedious process, so maybe Mr. Greene can come back later...and I added, driving his Citroen DS21 Chapron convertible.
Greene said...this is a rare car in the US, how do you know I own one? I said...I passed you once on Sunset Blvd. and my dad is the west coast Citroen distributor.
Greene was no longer in a hurry, wanted to 'talk cars.'
Actor Lorne Greene bought a new 1985 Town Car from Lynch Motors in Santa Monica, wanted 8 additional sets of keys.
Lynch didn't have a grinder, so I had to cut 16 ten cut keys using a hand cutter.
About half way through, salesman and Greene came to the counter, wanted to know if I was finished yet. Salesman said Greene was in a hurry.
I said this is a tedious process, so maybe Mr. Greene can come back later...and I added, driving his Citroen DS21 Chapron convertible.
Greene said...this is a rare car in the US, how do you know I own one? I said...I passed you once on Sunset Blvd. and my dad is the west coast Citroen distributor.
Greene was no longer in a hurry, wanted to 'talk cars.'
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 54,056
Likes: 2,419
From: NY and VA
As mentioned above about key codes. I know some of the cars had the codes on the door locks or glove box door. One of my 68 Galaxies had no keys with it. Found the code on the pass door lock. Then found a dealer parts guy that still knew how to cut the key. My son lost the keys for his 76 Elite, found the code on the door lock.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 603
Likes: 3
From: San Antonio
I lost the key to a 1975 Dodge motor home. The lock smith used a blank and file. He put the key in and turned it hard a few times took it out and filed. I repeated this and in about 10 minutes had the key cut. I am not sure if he marked the side of the blank with dye or something similar or if he could just see the pin marks on the side of the blank.
It was pretty impressive.
It was pretty impressive.
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 54,056
Likes: 2,419
From: NY and VA
Sometimes keys just wander off and hide, like ice scrapers in the winter. When I got my backhoe I had 6 keys made. 3 to keep in the trucks that migh haul it, 3 to keep at our houses that it might be used, to go along with the 2 when I got the machine. Sure enough had 6 more made this past summer. The keys are kept on an orange tag. The locksmith will not admit to putting legs on the keys.