Question on keys
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 693
Likes: 6
From: N E Ohio
Question on keys
Any key experts around here?
I have a question on the keys that Ford used on the 59 and 60 trucks. Of the trucks I have, I have two different types of keys - "A" and "B" in the picture. The F100 and F250 have the "A" type key and these have a wide groove on one side and a narrow groove on the opposite side. The F600s have the "B" type key that has a wide groove on one side only. The catalogs that I have looked at show the "A" type as being for 52 - 66 and the "B" type as being for 48 - 52. The Ford Truck Parts catalog I have only shows one key blank for 57 to 63, the B9A-3685A. I have no picture of it. (But I also have an ignition switch lock cylinder from a 68 Bronco that has a type "A" key)
Did Ford keep using the older "B" type of key on the larger trucks? I have had some spare keys made at a local locksmith as I bought the trucks and about the only other thing I have found is that an "A" type blank will work in the lock cylinder that takes a "B" type key, but a "B" type blank will not go into a lock cylinder that takes an "A" type key. I also have the key tags for two of the trucks, for what good they will do.
Just more stuff to think about.
I have a question on the keys that Ford used on the 59 and 60 trucks. Of the trucks I have, I have two different types of keys - "A" and "B" in the picture. The F100 and F250 have the "A" type key and these have a wide groove on one side and a narrow groove on the opposite side. The F600s have the "B" type key that has a wide groove on one side only. The catalogs that I have looked at show the "A" type as being for 52 - 66 and the "B" type as being for 48 - 52. The Ford Truck Parts catalog I have only shows one key blank for 57 to 63, the B9A-3685A. I have no picture of it. (But I also have an ignition switch lock cylinder from a 68 Bronco that has a type "A" key)
Did Ford keep using the older "B" type of key on the larger trucks? I have had some spare keys made at a local locksmith as I bought the trucks and about the only other thing I have found is that an "A" type blank will work in the lock cylinder that takes a "B" type key, but a "B" type blank will not go into a lock cylinder that takes an "A" type key. I also have the key tags for two of the trucks, for what good they will do.
Just more stuff to think about.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 11
From: Crossville, Tn
I have the B type for my 50 F5. I can't remember which one I had for my '56 F100 when I was younger.
I had the A type for my 57 Fairlane convertible, 58 Fairlane HT, 60 Fairlane sean, 61 Fairlane sedan and 63 1/2 Galaxie 500 XL
I had the A type for my 57 Fairlane convertible, 58 Fairlane HT, 60 Fairlane sean, 61 Fairlane sedan and 63 1/2 Galaxie 500 XL
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: southern MN
the key blank board at your local hardware has make and year(s) range, as well as the mfgr part number on it for each key blank. my '68 mustang had a square key head for the ignition, and a round head for the door/trunk if that helps. blanks on the rack for my '53 come either way, with some years overlaping it seems.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,188
Likes: 4,796
From: Burbank, WA
The numbers on the key tags are the key code. With that number, a locksmith can make replacement keys using a tooth cutting tool, rather than make copies on a following machine like the hardware store. They are more accurate.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
I have an "A" and a "B" type cut for my 56 ignition switch and they both work ok. I would think on the earlier models that only had a groove cut on one side you could use either. But on locks that have the second notch, only the "A" type will work. I'm not sure when that started.
My door lock and glove box lock key (all are 51/52 year types) have "B" type keys.
My door lock and glove box lock key (all are 51/52 year types) have "B" type keys.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 693
Likes: 6
From: N E Ohio
I think that the "A" style key is probably the most common for the lighter (100, 250, 350) F Series after 52. The F500 and up, being built in fewer numbers, probably used the older key design. I have never looked closely at the cylinders, but the "A" style might have more pins, so there is a smaller chance of duplication. And there seems to be no downside on Ford's part for using the older key and cylinder ("B" style) on the heavier trucks, as the "A" style key will work in it.
Maybe we can see if Numberdummy will weigh in on this with his knowledge - I wonder if the key tag has a code that identifies the blank to be used?
Maybe we can see if Numberdummy will weigh in on this with his knowledge - I wonder if the key tag has a code that identifies the blank to be used?
