Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I need help, my locksmith has books back to 1935, can anyone provide the correct key code for a 1929 model 633 ignition key. In this era was there many different keys, where do I find blanks, do I need to remove the switch from the dash and send to a good locksmith. Any and all guideance is appreciated, Getting close to trying to fire her up.
Thanks Dave Lucas 713-299-3059

I see keys on eBay from time to time. Do you have the correct coil/ignition system mounted behind your dashboard (key switch mounted on the end of the coil)? That would be key (pardon the pun) in determining which key you need.

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.

Key blanks:

parts123.com/0000022a/34325/MAX-MERRITT- ... ckard_door_lock_key_blank-34325.htm

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Another good source:

key-men.com/shopping/show_cat.php?catid=Packard

Equiv. P/N's:

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I apologize for going a bit off-topic, but given this topic and a few minutes of spare time I just thought I'd tabulate some data that you pre-war folks might want to take note of. All numbers are Briggs & Stratton numbers.

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Thanks for all the replys and excellent advice. It appears that my system is incorrect for the car. I have a modern day coil (can't see label to tell if 6 or 12 volts) and a seperate ignition switch. (feels like a 4 or 6 pin switch). Mr. petersen notes that it should be a switch built in the end of a coil. Looks like I have a decision to make. Start hunting and original or replace the current style switch just to get her going. Thanks again for all the data and help.

Here is what your coil/ignition should look like. The key in the switch is Atlas, but that may be a substitute key. Looking at the number on the other key (they both work in this ignition), might be of some help to you, but I don't know for sure.

"Fits 82 H1098M"

The number matches that of 32Model901, however the letter at the end is different. His document says it should be "L", this key is "M"

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Something you might try-I went to a local hardware store(not Home Depot type)and asked for a key for my 47 Packard-after rooting around for 10-15 minutes they came up with a key-cut it and believe it or not works!!