Looking for recommendations for a locksmith, preferably in the Orange County or LA area who can cut some keys for my Dodge coupe if I take them the locks and ignition switch. Would they be likely to have key blanks or would I need to supply them? Any suggestions on a good source. Thanks
Hello R, I am not sure where in So Cal you are located, but, one of the best locksmith services is located in San Clemente. You can give them a call to see if they could do that particular job. They have done service on our two different houses that needed re-keying and did a great job. I did not have a Dodge lock, but I did take them a large key lock I removed from a cabinet door and they took it apart to get to the pins. It was well worth the effort to have them do it. They are located just off of the Palizada off ramp on the I-5 south. Right on Palizada (get in the left lane) and left on Avenida de Estrella, the first light. Jnaki They are open during the pandemic, so give them a call. Wear a mask, too. https://www.tonyslock.com/
It looks like Chrysler used the same blanks from '40 to '48 and again in '51. I'd imagine they're still available but smaller locksmiths aren't likely to keep them in stock. At least these numbers may help you find a source. I don't know if these locks used pin or wafer style tumblers. If you find and older locksmith or a bigger lock shop that's been around for a while, you might ask if they could "impression" a new key using your lock cylinders. If they can it will mean less chance of damage trying to dis***emble your old cylinders. Maybe post a couple pics of your locks if you can. Have you found any numbers or letters (possibly key code numbers) stamped or engraved on the old locks? If they're are any markings at all they will most likely be on the door lock cylinders.
One quick place I found on the web has them...a little pricey...I've had good success at my local ACE hardware store by me in getting blanks. This ACE has a really large key shop with a huge selection of blanks. Not all stores my have them.... Ilco X1199B Key Blanks. Wholesale Chrysler, Dodge, Eagle, Automotive and Car Key Blanks, Cheap Keys (mysecuritypro.com)
Thanks for the replies. I haven’t pulled the locks yet and don’t know what type of tumblers they have. I’ll post pictures when I get them. I was expecting the locksmith to impression the keys - didn’t realize there were other ways of making the keys.
Expect to pay up. The old school real locksmith that would do the key impression for fun and profit days are long gone. No one ever chimed up when I was looking for the old Pomona swap locksmith (ice cream van) guy that would do and old style impression in 15mins and give you two copies for about 30.00. Now a days current “locksmiths” act like it a a real operations to make an impression and will charge you near 75.00 to 150.00. I’m just saying it not as cheap as one would think anymore. Take your locks out see if there is any ID numbers on the side of the barrel. Call around as see if the lock smith can cut with an ID number and blank. If they don’t know what you are talking about move on to the next one. If your car is all original, more thank likely the door lock will match the ignition. see what the price is on eBay for a door lock and Ignition tumbler set cost. you might even get Lucky add find and eBay seller that you may be able to ship your parts to and have them do the work and ship them back. here did the of the work for you. Check item 274594370466 https://www.ebay.com/itm/274594370466 This is the sort of thing you need. You just need to make sure is lock correct and the year match.
I second Tonys. They cut a few keys for me with just a barrel number, just make sure they have the key blank. They used the last key blank for the Hillman and if I wanted another cut I needed to buy a pack of 10 blanks. I need to buy a key clipper and some old code books .
Just in case anyone else is looking - I wound up going to Bill's lock and safe in Fullerton 714 738 3529. Took a little while to get the keys done - the trunk lock was pretty seized up , but ignition, door lock and trunk lock (3 separate keys) for $95 isn’t bad in my opinion. Decent customer service too, I’d use them again.
Finding a good locksmith in Orange County or LA shouldn't be too difficult. Many locksmiths in the area should be able to cut keys for your Dodge coupe if you provide them with the locks and ignition switch. As for key blanks, the locksmith may have them on hand, but it's always a good idea to ask beforehand. You could also try sourcing key blanks yourself if you prefer. A reputable locksmith should be able to tell you where to find them. One thing to remember is that you must have a clean criminal history to be a locksmith. It's important for your safety and security. You can typically find this information by checking their website or asking for references.
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