Recreating a door key - academic question.
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From: Topeka, KS
Recreating a door key - academic question.
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....
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Riverside, So Cal
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.
BTW, Brian B and Himmelberg are the only FTE'ers I know qualified to answer an "academic" question.
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From: Kansas City area
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.
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From: Tucson, AZ
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
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
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From: Tucson, AZ
Originally Posted by stewards68
That's the same lock, alright. YOU DA MAN, Cal! I like that idea of all matching.
Cal
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From: Topeka, KS
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.
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From: Harrisburg, OR
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.
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From: Tucson, AZ
Originally Posted by stewards68
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.
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
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From: Vancouver Island
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.
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.