Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hello all,

I am a long-time lurker on the forum, and now a first-time poster.
Earlier this year, I purchased my 22nd series Deluxe Eight Club Sedan. However, as it sat for many years before I purchased it, the keys went missing.

After researching keys on the forum, and learning that the door locks would be more accurate than the ignition, I decided to give it a shot and cut my own using a dremel.

I started out by removing the lock cylinder from the driver door. This was a rather easy process, and the lock cylinder popped right out. (If needed, I would be happy to go into detail on this step)
With the lock cylinder removed, I carefully "un-crimped" the lock-cylinder bezel/trim ring. This was accomplished by the use of a set of picks and mini flathead.
At this point, the cylinder slid out of the housing, and I ended up with this exploded view:




With the lock pins visible, I was able to insert the key and see where I needed to remove material. I used a fine tipped sharpie in between the pins to mark the key and provide a starting point.
After taking off a little material at a time, and testing the lock cylinder in its housing periodically, a working key was created.




Once this was completed, the assembly was put back together, and the crimp was re-formed by gently folding the crimp back down with a flathead screwdriver.
The lock cylinder has been reinstalled on the car, and the key works for both doors and the ignition. Now, on to the trunk key...

Congatulations mwmentin on successfully 'keying" your Packard and to PackardInfo.
And for including your '49 Deluxe Eight Club Sedan in PackardInfo's Packard Vehicle Registry.

I did this .

But I now own a key machine. .

Quote:

This is the exact technique I use. Except I use a square needle file turned 45°, then when the key is done I round the peaks a bit to reduce wear on the wafers.

Very good how-to! As for the door locks being more accurate, I’m not sure how true that is but the ignition tumbler usually has the key code stamped onto it so I prefer making the key to that, then testing on the doors. If the original door tumblers, I’ve found this to always work with keys that fit as they should.