Keys & Locks

[Mike Sal]

OK on to the next challenge. The '66 I brought home has a parts store ignition switch in the dash (the original switch was in the glove box, with the plastic end out & the switch guts missing. I didn't get any original keys with it. I had to go thru the trunk & unbolt the lock latch to get it open.

What's the best option these days for getting the ignition, doors, glove box, & trunk squared away. Do i take the locks to a locksmith to come up with keys, or???
Mike Sal

[N8N]

if you're a stickler for originality, you can find old lock cylinders with the original keyway, then get your build sheet to get the key codes and go to a real old school locksmith and have him cut you some keys to code and then rekey all the lock cylinders to match. Then order repro key blanks from SI (if they have them for a '66, I don't recall) and have your new keys copied onto them. Then your car will be exactly as it left the factory.

OR you could call up SI and get a set of ignition and door locks for a '63 and be done with it. You'll have the wrong blank but everything will work on one key and be otherwise indistinguishable from stock. Then have a key made for the trunk/glovebox, because I'm not aware of any aftermarket glovebox locks currently available. Just take the trunk lock and glovebox lock (just in case the trunk lock was ever replaced and now no longer matches the glovebox - that one almost never is replaced because it sees little wear) to a good locksmith and tell him to make you a key

You might need a new ignition switch too, depending on why it ended up in the glovebox. Only one way to find out.

I've used "shiva" before (forget his real name) for issues like this and he's always come through for what I thought was a very inexpensive price. Usually cheaper to ship my stuff to him than to try to deal locally.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight

http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[showbizkid]

Mike, I recommend you get the new, replacement switch from SI. The CASO in me tried to save a few bux by getting a secondhand ignition switch off ePay and having it re-keyed, only to find out the return spring is tired and the key must be "jiggled" in Run to make the accessories work. So I wound up buying the new switch anyway [xx(]

Same with the door locks. I got a good used set and re-keyed them, only to have one shear off its actuating nub after two months. So I wound up buying new ones anyway. [xx(][xx(]

Can you see a trend here? Sometimes it's cheaper in the long run just to buy new.


[img=left]http://members.cox.net/clarknovak/lark.gif[/img=left]

Clark in San Diego
'63 F2/Lark Standard

http://studeblogger.blogspot.com

https://www.studebakersandiego.com

[Mike Sal]

I guess I didn't realize SI still had new locks w/ keys. I've got quite a shopping list going with them now, i guess i'll add this to the pile.
mike Sal

[N8N]

It's not that they "still" have them, I believe that they are new production. Believe that they use the 55-63 key blanks (Y133) not sure if they have any available for 64-66 or not.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight

http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[showbizkid]

Nate's correct. And I think they do have the late key blanks (with the "S" die-cut).


[img=left]http://members.cox.net/clarknovak/lark.gif[/img=left]

Clark in San Diego
'63 F2/Lark Standard

http://studeblogger.blogspot.com

https://www.studebakersandiego.com

[warrlaw1]

S.I. also has combos keyed the same for ignition and door locks.

[N8N]

right, that was what I was suggesting he buy, if he didn't want to go the route of collecting parts and having them rekeyed. Depending on its condition, he may need a new ignition switch as well (a separate part from the ignition lock) and it should have a bezel, spring, and little plastic ring to mount it to the dash (the repro bezels are also recommended as the originals are known to break at the "ears" and cause the switch to fall into the dash, sometimes letting the smoke out of the wiring harness.)

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight

http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Mike Sal]

Well, I bought NOS ignition & trunk key / locks with keys while at the south bend swap meet. Now, I need to find some door locks / or bezels which are not pitted. Anyone have a couple they'd part with? I've got a local locksmith who can re-build them to match the new keys.
thanks,
Mike Sal

[StudeRich]

Mike, has your Locksmith actually SEEN those '64-'66 Type door locks (with the built-in weather cover doors) that have to have their housings drilled out very precisely to access the Tumblers to match them to the Ign. Lock? This could be VERY expensive or a NO GO!

I have to wonder if it is cheaper to buy the $135.00 Repro door lock Kit, and re-key a easy and cheap to do, $20.00 Ign. Lock to match the door keys.

[Mike Sal]

Sounds like I better take one to him to check out. Nothin's ever easy......
Mike sal