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Agreed. Loaner program would likely be the most cost effective, as well as fueling the commaraderie that is the point of this website.

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That was my guess, but wanted to gauge interest in either option. The process is time consuming, so if someone wants to own it - I would charge a good amount.

I think a very reasonable rental fee with a fairly large deposit would help folks out and also assure my tools are returned promptly. Trying out 250 keys should not take long.

I am interested in this Packard try-out key set effort. My '41 Packards are put away for the winter so I decided to work on my own key & lock matching project. A friend told me about this forum thread and I got suckered in.

I had 11 door & trunk handles, 8 ignition switches, 4 glove box locks & 7 loose key cylinders all without matching keys & all related to '41 Packards. Years ago I was gifted a box of miscellaneous old keys. From this box I sorted out 71 old car keys that would slide into the Packard lock cylinders. Then one key at a time, I tried matching with each of the keyless parts. Seventeen locks & cylinders now have a key allowing me to remove the cylinders.

I currently have a quantity of 19 keys with the "Pxxxx" identification stamping. The other keys are aftermarket duplicated without stamped codes.

Now back to the start of this thread, the try-out key set. Any suggestions on how we can get this effort rolling in an honest and professional manner? I would like to participate.

It sounds like there is enough interest. I'm going to start working on it. I have several key machines and just need to order the blanks. I also have all of the packard codes and cuts for each key. I'll let you all know when it is ready!

Where did you find an index of all the key codes? Also what key blank are you using? Make sure the shoulder is long like the originals, not like the Axxess 78 keys.

I've been locksmithing as part time side gig. I have all the key codes in a database I pay to subscribe to. Was very surprised that they had Packard info, but they do!

On another thought ... would it be better if I sent out the try out keys, or asked folks to send me the lock to identify and cut a key. Maybe that is a better thought?? Just throwing spaghetti and the wall to see what sticks.

I would be careful about sending the lockout
keys out. Only would take one person not returning the set to loose a valuable item.

I think that if people were forced to mail out igntion switches and door handles out, they would just end up going to a local locksmith.


Then idea of getting a set of keys to "try" without having to disassemble anything is attractive. Otherwise, I'd call a local locksmith.

Just my opinion.

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George. Good point, but most of the value of these keys is in labor I do for enjoyment - key making is a hobby for me. I'd like to make a few bucks each rental to make it worth doing, however, if my keys were not returned it would not be the most valuable tool in my shop in terms of parts. I would also charge a credit card deposit.

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This is likely true. And it is also why I think making it available to folks is worthwhile. At least for me, there is a sense of satisfaction in solving your own problems. Also, I think there is a small subset of this group that would want to own a set if they are a large collector.

Sidenote: I'm not just here to sell keys. I have a good friend who's into Packards and I am getting interested too. This is one small way to get my foot in the door. I have a 2 year old and when he gets a bit older, I think we may take on a Packard restoration project together. In the meantime, I'm here to learn!

Next question: what price point do folks think is fair to rent this set? It's a little time consuming to make, so I'd like to see some value out of it but I don't want to rob anyone either.