I have no idea what happened but I’ve lost the keys to my 37 Ford. Is it possible to have a key made for my ignition lock cylinder mounted on the steering column??
A really good locksmith can make one on the spot if he has the correct key blank. You need to find one that does that for a living.
thanks. Now to find a key blank and a really good locksmith close to Ohio. Are they called a Hurd Key??
If you're calling around to find a locksmith, ask if they have someone who can "impression" a new key. They'll need to have the lock assembly or the vehicle itself at hand to do the work, unless you don't mind paying extra for a "house call".
Most bigger locksmiths company will know what blank you need and like ClaMart said you will have to take the steering column or the whole car to them or pay for a house call Jim
Thank you. At least it’s a start. I found a source for key blanks. Dennis Carpenter. I may just remove the whole unit off the steering column. Unless AAA wants to tow it to the locksmith.
Dennis Carpenter have the key blanks for a 1937 Ford if the car has the original ignition. https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/cars/electrical/ignition/b-3685-a-key-blank-hurd
If the ignition switch on your truck is on the column, its not original. Ignition switches on the column didn't appear until around 1971. So the problem you have now is you really have no idea even what brand of car or truck the column in your truck came from, or what year it may be. Take your column to a locksmith. The key blank will need to match the brand of the column and the year of the switch.
If the lock cylinder can be removed, there should be a code on the side to get new keys cut. I have used this guy several times making keys for '32 lock cylinders.
https://www.earlyfordstore.com/collections/1937-ford-car/products/1935-1948-ignition-cylinder-keys Noticed they are out of stock, but they are made. Here is an example taken from the Fordbarn of a cylinder with the code stamped on the side.
If you or someone has a collection of old keys, sometimes you can get a key which will "jiggle and twist" and open the lock, so it can be taken out to have a new key made.
Years back the was a fella on the FordBarn that could cut a key with just the lock number. He’d bought the cutter and a bunch of blanks. He also had the key code chart. If he’s still around won’t need a house call.
Gene, this is on my 37 coupe. Yes original. Not on my 34 truck. Thanks. I found three big companies carrying that repo but none of them are in stock. I’d imagine there’s only one manufacture with some kind of issue. Cheap price too. I’m going to try to have a key made. Looks like the fastest turnover.
@Petejoe most lock shops should have an Ilco 1125-S key blank. That would be the same as the Hurd keys.
I bought key blanks from Bob Drake, and took the 1940 lock mechanism to a local locksmith and they cut the key for it.
Don't you guys have a Locksmith in your areas?! Rapid City is a pretty small area still but we have more than one including mobile.
You can't remove the column tube from the steering box if it is in the Locked position. There's a dowel that engages in the steering shaft lock collar to prevent that.
We’ll that’s just wonderful. Thanks for the heads up. Hopefully I’ll get a key made so I don’t have to destroy the whole assy. And yes, I’m sure my original will show up as soon as I get one made.
Think it would be pretty easy to drill and pull the retainer pin, pull the lock cylinder, either order a key by the code or take it to a locksmith, and reinstall the cyl when you have a key. I usually tap the pin hole and use a set screw to retain the cylinder. Once you have the cylinder out, you can use a screwdriver to unlock the column and ign switch and use your car in the meantime.
The Jalopy Journal
