The Ford Barn

KeansClassics · 02-29-2012, 10:11 AM

My car came without a key and I was wondering if another key could be picked up that would work. Are the Model A Keys universal or are they all different? Or, do you have to replace the whole ignition system? Could a key be made for my original ignition switch?

Any advise would be great!

Thanks!

Gary WA · 02-29-2012, 10:56 AM

If popout Yes Should be a number on the switch.

Jim Parker Toronto · 02-29-2012, 12:01 PM

Contact A+L from the venders list after you get the key number off the switch. Their service is fast, accurate, and reasonable! What more can you ask for? Great people to deal with....

Charlie Stephens · 02-29-2012, 12:05 PM

There is a good chance that the switch may not be original in which case it might be better/cheaper to just replace the entire switch and cable with a restored one or a high quality reproduction. Is there an armored cable going from the switch to the side of the distributor? How about some photos (or have a local Model A expert look at it)?

Charlie Stephens

heneste · 02-29-2012, 12:46 PM

It's probably cheaper to get a new switch but you should be able to get a new key made for the existing switch as the lock cylinder is similar to a desk lock. (It's just that it may cost way more than it's worth!)

I ran into the following article on ignition switches while I was looking for some info for a friends' Essex. I don't know if it would be the same switch as yours.
Hope it helps!

KGBnut · 02-29-2012, 01:00 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Once I had the numbers off any of my locks, my local locksmith was able to cut the key for just a few bucks. He even had the blanks on hand.

Tom Wesenberg · 02-29-2012, 01:47 PM

Go to this thread and see the pictures I posted in threads 9 and 13 to see where to look for the key number.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ion+key+number

BILL WILLIAMSON · 02-29-2012, 07:44 PM

I had a key from an old grey padlock, and by jove! it fit Minerva, my '30 coupe! Bill W. (I lost her keys while in re-hab!)

KeansClassics · 03-01-2012, 10:28 AM

The ignition switch on my car does have the armored cable running from it to the distributer. I will have to take it out of the dash to search for those numbers. Thanks for the help everyone!

Big John · 03-01-2012, 11:08 AM

it has to be an original popout type of switch, for numbers to be on front of the popout area...replacement or repros do not have the number....some replacement types have an armored cable and are just on/off....not original...restored originals are available from restorers...

Charlie Stephens · 03-01-2012, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeansClassics

The ignition switch on my car does have the armored cable running from it to the distributer. I will have to take it out of the dash to search for those numbers. Thanks for the help everyone!

While it is out take it to a good locksmith and see if he can cut a key. Price replacement switches before you go so you can decide the best way to go when you get an estimate.

Charlie Stephens

02-29-2012, 10:11 AM	#1
KeansClassics Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Denton, Nebraska Posts: 42	No Key For My Car My car came without a key and I was wondering if another key could be picked up that would work. Are the Model A Keys universal or are they all different? Or, do you have to replace the whole ignition system? Could a key be made for my original ignition switch? Any advise would be great! Thanks! __________________ From Denton, Nebraska. Andrew Kean The Car Collection -1928 Dodge Victory 6 Four Door Sedan -1930 Ford Model A Murray Town Sedan 155C -1938 Ford One Ton Express Pickup -1946 Dodge D24 Four Door Sedan -1948 Plymouth P15 Deluxe Club Coupe -1952 International Harvester L121 -1956 Plymouth P29 Savoy -1958 Ford Custom 300 -1959 Edsel Ranger Four Door Sedan -1960 Edsel Ranger Four Door Sedan -1964 Ford F100 Flareside -1965 Ford F250 Styleside

02-29-2012, 10:56 AM	#2
Gary WA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Clinton,WA/Whidbey Island Posts: 4,107	Re: No Key For My Car If popout Yes Should be a number on the switch. __________________ www.whidbeymodelaclub.com

02-29-2012, 12:01 PM	#3
Jim Parker Toronto Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,289	Re: No Key For My Car Contact A+L from the venders list after you get the key number off the switch. Their service is fast, accurate, and reasonable! What more can you ask for? Great people to deal with....

02-29-2012, 12:05 PM	#4
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,034	Re: No Key For My Car There is a good chance that the switch may not be original in which case it might be better/cheaper to just replace the entire switch and cable with a restored one or a high quality reproduction. Is there an armored cable going from the switch to the side of the distributor? How about some photos (or have a local Model A expert look at it)? Charlie Stephens

02-29-2012, 12:46 PM	#5
heneste Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Ottawa,Ontario, Canada Posts: 271	Re: No Key For My Car It's probably cheaper to get a new switch but you should be able to get a new key made for the existing switch as the lock cylinder is similar to a desk lock. (It's just that it may cost way more than it's worth!) I ran into the following article on ignition switches while I was looking for some info for a friends' Essex. I don't know if it would be the same switch as yours. Hope it helps! Last edited by heneste; 05-23-2017 at 08:55 PM.

02-29-2012, 01:00 PM	#6
KGBnut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southwestern Connecticut Posts: 931	Re: No Key For My Car Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Once I had the numbers off any of my locks, my local locksmith was able to cut the key for just a few bucks. He even had the blanks on hand. __________________ Style beats speed any day, and with a lot fewer tickets.

02-29-2012, 01:47 PM	#7
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: No Key For My Car Go to this thread and see the pictures I posted in threads 9 and 13 to see where to look for the key number. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ion+key+number

02-29-2012, 07:44 PM	#8
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: No Key For My Car I had a key from an old grey padlock, and by jove! it fit Minerva, my '30 coupe! Bill W. (I lost her keys while in re-hab!) __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF" Last edited by BILL WILLIAMSON; 02-29-2012 at 07:46 PM. Reason: Stupidity!

03-01-2012, 10:28 AM	#9
KeansClassics Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Denton, Nebraska Posts: 42	Re: No Key For My Car The ignition switch on my car does have the armored cable running from it to the distributer. I will have to take it out of the dash to search for those numbers. Thanks for the help everyone! __________________ From Denton, Nebraska. Andrew Kean The Car Collection -1928 Dodge Victory 6 Four Door Sedan -1930 Ford Model A Murray Town Sedan 155C -1938 Ford One Ton Express Pickup -1946 Dodge D24 Four Door Sedan -1948 Plymouth P15 Deluxe Club Coupe -1952 International Harvester L121 -1956 Plymouth P29 Savoy -1958 Ford Custom 300 -1959 Edsel Ranger Four Door Sedan -1960 Edsel Ranger Four Door Sedan -1964 Ford F100 Flareside -1965 Ford F250 Styleside

03-01-2012, 11:08 AM	#10
Big John Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 416	Re: No Key For My Car it has to be an original popout type of switch, for numbers to be on front of the popout area...replacement or repros do not have the number....some replacement types have an armored cable and are just on/off....not original...restored originals are available from restorers...