Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

No, 6 heights and 5 wafers is 6 to the 5th power combinations.

1-1-1-1-1
1-1-1-1-2
1-1-1-1-3

.... etc.

IIRC, the tumblers only project through one side of the cylinders used in our Packards. The lock cylinders used in glove compartment doors of GM vehicles followed a similar pattern well into the 1980s.

The teeth on the key are what move the tumblers flush with the cylnder, allowing the cylinder to be rotated within the housing. While there were some locks that used two different keys in the same cylinder, I never saw that in automotive use. Don't overthink this.

Jeff's example of x to the nth power (where x = the depths of cut and n = number of tumblers/wafers) is correct.

Okay, I'm installing, and the C-clip that holds the lock linkage to the tailpiece of the cylinder is not going on tight at all. You can snap it on and remove it by hand with very little effort. I am afraid that just closing the trunk could pop the clip off and then, I'd be locked out.

I had this problem previously and just sort-of overlooked it. I bought new clips in a clip assortment pack at the auto parts store. Every single one goes on loosely. There were 3 or 4 of this same size.

And since the clips are made of high-tensile steel, you can't just bend them to make them tighter. They tend to warp and/or break if you try to use pliers to close them for a tighter fit.

Any suggestions? I'm still thinking....

I used an "E" clip, never came off and fit perfectly.

Okay, first let me apologize. It turns out I asked a stupid question - or at least, it feels that way. I went to a different auto parts store to check their clips (hoping maybe I got part of a bad batch at the first store). No luck - the same problem.

I went to Lowe's and found a better assortment. 7/32" clips work. The owner before me (and then me, after I broke his clip) was using 1/4" clips. Going down 1/32" was all it needed.

Job is done! Trunk finally locks. Thanks to everyone for input and help.