Re: No Ignition Key
Posted by HH56 On 2018/12/14 16:39:12
Some options.
1. If you need to operate the car right away buy an inexpensive universal ign switch and install that as a temp while one of the other options is explored. If you are not worried about an extra key or looks it could be a permanent solution but that doesn't solve the issue of the ign key normally being the same one used for doors. Unless the ign key was changed before to a third key you would still be inconvenienced not having the proper key.
2. It has been reported there are a limited number of key combinations (250 I think it was) and if there is someone in the area with a decent selection see if one of those will fit. Possibly David Moe at Seattle Packards or ??
3. Remove the entire ignition assy and if you have a good local locksmith have him pick the lock and make a new key. If no locksmiths are local Jesser's can do it but no idea on the cost.http://www.jessersclassickeys.com
4. Modify the ign switch so the lock cylinder can be removed in the off position without the key. This is by far the most risky and takes a bit of care when drilling the needed access hole but I have done it on several with good results. Once the cylinder is out there is usually a number on the side or end so the proper key can be ordered from Jesser's or a local locksmith or, if desired and you have another key and don't need the door key the lock pins can be filed down to match the spare key.
If you elect to try the mod, here are a few photos and a description of what is needed. The cylinder is held in the lock by a spring loaded retaining clip which rides in a groove. The clip needs to be depressed against the spring with a blunt pin while the cylinder is pulled slightly until the clip enters the cylinder bore and remains depressed. Normally the lock will have a single access hole where the clip is visible with the cylinder in a certain position. The lock cylinders will interchange over many years and type locks so there could be versions where the key fits blunt side up or notch side up . On this 23-26 series ign lock the key was notch side up and needs to be in the ON position to the right. That lines the clip up with one of the holes and with the blunt pin you push in on the clip while pulling the key and cylinder out. Since there are two factory holes a different version cylinder might use the other hole and need turning to the left.
With the key not available and the cylinder in the off position the clip will be hidden. There needs to be a hole CAREFULLY drilled where the clip is positioned when off. On this 21-26 ign lock, as you are looking at the switch as it is positioned in the car, the notch side of key was up so the hole needed to be on the right side but if it happens to have one of the other cylinder versions with the key blunt side up it may need to be on the left side. It is impossible to know exactly which version you have so be prepared to drill the opposite side at the same respective position if the clip does not appear under the new hole.
The new hole needs to be the same size or maybe a tiny bit larger than the existing holes and lined up to be the same distance front to back. That part is very important so the hole will be over the clip. Using a slightly larger hole covers up a bit of imprecision as long as the size doesn't go overboard. The BE VERY CAREFUL part comes in when doing the depth. The retaining clip will be under the hole and if you go too deep or drill carelessly you can bite into and bend or otherwise damage the clip so it will not be able to be pushed against the spring and released.
Attach file:
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(57.62 KB)
(67.48 KB)
1. If you need to operate the car right away buy an inexpensive universal ign switch and install that as a temp while one of the other options is explored. If you are not worried about an extra key or looks it could be a permanent solution but that doesn't solve the issue of the ign key normally being the same one used for doors. Unless the ign key was changed before to a third key you would still be inconvenienced not having the proper key.
2. It has been reported there are a limited number of key combinations (250 I think it was) and if there is someone in the area with a decent selection see if one of those will fit. Possibly David Moe at Seattle Packards or ??
3. Remove the entire ignition assy and if you have a good local locksmith have him pick the lock and make a new key. If no locksmiths are local Jesser's can do it but no idea on the cost.http://www.jessersclassickeys.com
4. Modify the ign switch so the lock cylinder can be removed in the off position without the key. This is by far the most risky and takes a bit of care when drilling the needed access hole but I have done it on several with good results. Once the cylinder is out there is usually a number on the side or end so the proper key can be ordered from Jesser's or a local locksmith or, if desired and you have another key and don't need the door key the lock pins can be filed down to match the spare key.
If you elect to try the mod, here are a few photos and a description of what is needed. The cylinder is held in the lock by a spring loaded retaining clip which rides in a groove. The clip needs to be depressed against the spring with a blunt pin while the cylinder is pulled slightly until the clip enters the cylinder bore and remains depressed. Normally the lock will have a single access hole where the clip is visible with the cylinder in a certain position. The lock cylinders will interchange over many years and type locks so there could be versions where the key fits blunt side up or notch side up . On this 23-26 series ign lock the key was notch side up and needs to be in the ON position to the right. That lines the clip up with one of the holes and with the blunt pin you push in on the clip while pulling the key and cylinder out. Since there are two factory holes a different version cylinder might use the other hole and need turning to the left.
With the key not available and the cylinder in the off position the clip will be hidden. There needs to be a hole CAREFULLY drilled where the clip is positioned when off. On this 21-26 ign lock, as you are looking at the switch as it is positioned in the car, the notch side of key was up so the hole needed to be on the right side but if it happens to have one of the other cylinder versions with the key blunt side up it may need to be on the left side. It is impossible to know exactly which version you have so be prepared to drill the opposite side at the same respective position if the clip does not appear under the new hole.
The new hole needs to be the same size or maybe a tiny bit larger than the existing holes and lined up to be the same distance front to back. That part is very important so the hole will be over the clip. Using a slightly larger hole covers up a bit of imprecision as long as the size doesn't go overboard. The BE VERY CAREFUL part comes in when doing the depth. The retaining clip will be under the hole and if you go too deep or drill carelessly you can bite into and bend or otherwise damage the clip so it will not be able to be pushed against the spring and released.
Attach file:
(74.46 KB)
(52.79 KB)
(28.74 KB) (87.34 KB)
(57.62 KB)
(67.48 KB)
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