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As a follow on to my first post about locks, I am a huge car enthusiast and have been for many years. I have also recently gotten into locks and key making - a longtime interest of mine.

Just a thought as I've been helping my Packard collector buddy ... could a 250 try out set ever be valuable in this community? Basically every key Packard made with the correct codes identifying them?

I ask because some of the old pot metal in these locks is delicate. Try out keys are a completely non invasive way to identify a lost key. If there was interest, I could and would produce them if we can find a fair price. I suppose we would also have to find a way to assure they arrive at a safe and HONEST home.

Thoughts?

I would be interested on the process you would have to make 250 keys affordably...

Related, if there was one of these "Lishi" tools for Packard keyways it would be very handy. This is for GM, I don't remember if it would work for Packard.https://www.locksmithkeyless.com/products/lishi-b111-2in1-decoder-and-pick

me too...advise "affordably"

I'm interested. I've got 5 locks currently missing keys.

FYI Kev, most of the locks you can make your own keys. I made a video on this if you're interested. One significant exception is the glovebox locks.

The glove box locks may be an issue because those locks are very simplistic, typically having only a few sliders. However, as long as the locks are all original, making one for the trunk also makes one for the glovebox!

Igniton, glove box, door handle, trunk and rumble seat. Who knows if the locks that are supposed to be the same keys actually match.

What sounds more realistic to a group like this? A loaner set with a fair rental fee; or a purchased set? I'm doing this either way for myself, but if it helps others, I'd like to offer it up.

I doubt anyone would ever need a full set and for myself, I either remove the tumbler, then order a key to the key code or I take it to a locksmith to fix. If the lock is worn and I have the key made to the code, then I repair the lock to match it.

I'd be interested in the rental program. Find keys that match, note the codes for future reference, and take the matching keys to get copies made. Return the loaner set back.

I'd imagine you could charge a deposit on top of the loan fee, and the deposit is returned when you get the key set returned.

I'm willing to be a test mule for the process.