Re: 1929 ignition keys

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2012/8/12 12:18:23

Packard used the same lock cylinder (not the entire switch, just the cylinder) from 1935 thru 1956, I believe these were made by Briggs & Stratton. I don't know what they used before then, perhaps Yale (though Yale locks usually had their name on the face of the cylinder), perhaps a different B&S cylinder - so you might try some Yale & B&S blanks to see it you can find one that inserts. But even if you find a key that inserts, you'll still have to remove the lock cylinder to cut the blank to fit the tumbler configuration, or recut the tumblers to fit an existing key that inserts. That is, unless you're incredibly lucky - using 1936 as one of the years I have B&S data for, all models, 120, Eight, Super 8 and Twelve all used the same key series and the same key numbers, there were 250 unique ignition keys to cover the entire year's production.

I'm nearly certain that you'll have to remove the entire switch in order to remove the cylinder. P.S. - But I'd think finding a key blank that inserts should be pretty easy.

P.P.S. - if you do find a used key that inserts and can remove the cylinder, recuting the tumblers to accomodate that key is a very simple operation. If you find such a key, let us know as I'm sure many folks on this forum have recut tumblers to fit a different key.