Looking for Key Code '79 F150
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Looking for Key Code '79 F150
I was recently robbed by some SOB who took all my keys, including my house keys. I'm trying to replace everything now.
I need to know: Is there or is there not a key code somewhere on my '79 F150 4wd and where is it? What does it look like? How many numbers should I be looking for? Are there letters in the code?
I'm at a loss here and really appreciate some guidance. Thanks
I need to know: Is there or is there not a key code somewhere on my '79 F150 4wd and where is it? What does it look like? How many numbers should I be looking for? Are there letters in the code?
I'm at a loss here and really appreciate some guidance. Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Michigan
It's been a long time, but I worked for a company called Curtis Industries in the late 70's. They sold a key cutter to dealerships that could cut a new key from a key code book they provided. Pretty sure it was a single letter stamped on original key and possibly in some of the original paperwork. Numberdummy could answer this for sure. Hope this helps.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Correct on the small aluminium tag, and not being any other place. Cheap route get a new key cut by a lock smith. Unless you are worried that stealing SOB might come back for the truck later?
Get a new ignition switch and key/tumblers. You need the original key to remove just the tumblers with the paper clip trick.
Get a new ignition switch and key/tumblers. You need the original key to remove just the tumblers with the paper clip trick.
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Thank you for this advice. Unfortunately, I'm still batting 0. I don't have the original key so I can't get a code from it. Since I don't have the original key, I can't remove the cylinder. (I went on you tube to learn that).
I also tried a locksmith in this small rural town in NM, but he was of no use. He couldn't replace the lock on the front door. I would have to drive about 170 miles to Colorado Springs or Santa Fe to find a real locksmith. But I can't start it, drive it, or move it, I'm outta luck there too.
And yes, I am concerned the SOB thief may come back for the truck later. But he will have to bring his own tires: I removed mine. Since he also stole my 4 ton jack, that should not be a problem for him.
Since he also took the keys to my 1970 Chevy truck, I face the same problem. However, I drilled out the ignition cylinder. So, I'm going to upgrade the ignition to something more electronic or modern.
Still, getting the code is the easiest way to go.
I also tried a locksmith in this small rural town in NM, but he was of no use. He couldn't replace the lock on the front door. I would have to drive about 170 miles to Colorado Springs or Santa Fe to find a real locksmith. But I can't start it, drive it, or move it, I'm outta luck there too.
And yes, I am concerned the SOB thief may come back for the truck later. But he will have to bring his own tires: I removed mine. Since he also stole my 4 ton jack, that should not be a problem for him.
Since he also took the keys to my 1970 Chevy truck, I face the same problem. However, I drilled out the ignition cylinder. So, I'm going to upgrade the ignition to something more electronic or modern.
Still, getting the code is the easiest way to go.
Moderator & parts slinger
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Go to a junk yard, find a 77 to 79 truck that still has the key. Remove the complete assembly and just unplug the elec connector on the back side of yours and plug the replacement in, you can let it hang under the under dash.
Also if you find in ignition assembly with the key... get the door locks while you are there. Open door, pull the small metal tab/plate to release them from the door skin, then reach inside and pop off the lock bar plastic clip.
For the ing take a flat tip and just put it in one of the 3 notched in the outer ring and tap it in the loosening direction.
Also if you find in ignition assembly with the key... get the door locks while you are there. Open door, pull the small metal tab/plate to release them from the door skin, then reach inside and pop off the lock bar plastic clip.
For the ing take a flat tip and just put it in one of the 3 notched in the outer ring and tap it in the loosening direction.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Spencer Mountain, NC
FWIW some cars/trucks have the key code stamped on the door lock cylinder. Not sure about our dents. Maybe someone else can confirm this.
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
It's been a long time, but I worked for a company called Curtis Industries in the late 70's. They sold a key cutter to dealerships that could cut a new key from a key code book they provided. Pretty sure it was a single letter stamped on original key and possibly in some of the original paperwork. Numberdummy could answer this for sure. Hope this helps.
When new, all FoMoCo vehicles came with 2 square head keys, most also came with 2 round head keys. Both came with round discs with the key code stamped on them.
Square head key code begins with FA .. Round head key code begins with FB
Most of these discs were soon lost or thrown away, but some people placed them inside the ashtray or glove box.
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Go to a junk yard, find a 77 to 79 truck that still has the key. Remove the complete assembly and just unplug the elec connector on the back side of yours and plug the replacement in, you can let it hang under the under dash.
Also if you find in ignition assembly with the key... get the door locks while you are there. Open door, pull the small metal tab/plate to release them from the door skin, then reach inside and pop off the lock bar plastic clip.
For the ing take a flat tip and just put it in one of the 3 notched in the outer ring and tap it in the loosening direction.
Also if you find in ignition assembly with the key... get the door locks while you are there. Open door, pull the small metal tab/plate to release them from the door skin, then reach inside and pop off the lock bar plastic clip.
For the ing take a flat tip and just put it in one of the 3 notched in the outer ring and tap it in the loosening direction.
************************************************** *****
That's a good idea. I had not thought of this. My problem is we have no junk yards in my area. So I would have to drive to Colorado Springs or Santa Fe which I will do if I don't come up with a better solution before that. Thank you.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Maybe find some one parting out a truck on your local Craigslist and you can get the ing w/ket and door locks or ask in you state FTE chapter if some one has a spare ing w/key setting on the shelf.
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Thank you. That's a another good idea. I checked Craigslist but found nothing but I had not thought of posting my own ad "Looking for......"
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,251
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Posting a add in the local Craigslist "wanted" section might work. Have you asked your FTE NM state chapter members?
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum208/
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum208/
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Thanks to everyone for some great suggestions. Here is one suggestion that I received: On National Parts Depot I can buy the entire ignition assembly for $14.50. Then I can buy a kit with the keys, to replace the ignition and 2 door locks for another $14.50. So for less than $30 and a little bit of labor, I should be back in business.
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