key lost

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Dec 19, 1999 | 04:16 PM

Trail_Rider

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Fleet Mechanic

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From: Lower 48

key lost

Dec 23, 1999 | 09:25 PM

red65

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key lost

Can someone help me, I have lost the key to my truck,and don't have another. Can the switch be removed without the key. A friend told me that I would have to have the key to change the lock.

red65

Dec 23, 1999 | 09:48 PM

390fe

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From: Iowa

key lost

I think your freind is right. It's been several years scince I've replaced mine, but I think I had to use the key to turn the lock cylinder once the botton was depressed with a paperclip.
You do have a couple options, though. The first woukd be to take the assembly to a locksmith and pay him to make a key.
The second choice would be to replace both the lock cylinder and switch.

Dec 23, 1999 | 10:15 PM

Trail_Rider

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Fleet Mechanic

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From: Lower 48

key lost

I have to agree with 390, seems to me you have to insert a paper clip into the lockset and with the key inserted into it turn it counter clockwise to remove the lockset

Trail Rider

Dec 23, 1999 | 10:31 PM

charles_1

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key lost

If you change the whole switch assembly then you dont have to have the key. Just use a screwdriver to on the notches to unthread the nut that holds the switch to the dash. then remove the assembly from the back of the panel and "unplug" it using a screwdriver. You can get a new assembly at your local auto parts store complete with 2 new keys. The previous posts are correct if you only wanted to change the ignition swith barrel.

Dec 24, 1999 | 02:44 AM

BigBrownTruck

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Joined: Aug 1999

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key lost

I lost the keys to my truck recently. I hadn't driven it for a couple weeks right after I bought it and when the engine was reassembled and ready to start, I couldn't find the keys anywhere. I still haven't found them. I did as Charles described and went to the auto parts store and bought a whole new switch assembly for around $20 (I think, I can't really remember). I can't lock my doors however a buddy told me that if I remove the doorlock, that a keysmith can make them accept my new ignition key. I guess that they remove all the pins and insert your new key. then they put new pins in the tumbler and grind them down with your key in it. I haven't gotten around to taking my door panels off yet. Of Coarse you will find your keys after this all has been done.
Good Luck and Merry Christmas
BBT

Dec 24, 1999 | 07:39 AM

StockMan

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From: Inthepast

key lost

I agree with the other posts. It seems a shame to waste a good ignition switch just because a key has been lost. Many keys are siimliar; don't give up on the idea of another key being used to jiggle the tumblers enough to remove the barrel. Kinda like "picking the lock." Once removed you can have it re-keyed. Another thought is to drill out the lock. The barrel can then be removed and replaced. This requires care and quality bits.

Stock Man
1967 F-250 FE 390 4wd
1966 F-250 I6 240 2wd LWB Flare Side
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