Re: Rekeying replacement trunk lock cylinder

Posted by BH On 2009/1/5 14:44:36

Jeff -

What you did is similar to what is still being done done with late model cars - though the retainers for the tumblers (wafers) have changed over the years. Generally, you would install new tumblers in a new cylinder, but we don't have that luxury with the old Packards.

Working at a GM dealership decades ago, I often had to re-code old lock cylinders at the request of second or third owners of a vehicle (back when it was cost effective). The relatively soft metal of the lock cylinder could be re-staked using a punch or chisel (depending on the type of retainer and the amount of material being staked). Don't hit it too hard, though - in case you ever need to remove the tumblers again.

Filing the tumblers flush, as described, above is another method that will work with these old lock cylinders, but I personally prefer swapping the old tumblers like you did.

Although you'll find a lot of great info in the factory shop manual (archived on this site), this is one of a handful of little things that they didn't cover.