Help with pop out switch--I lost my key!

[smurph]

I'm kicking myself for having lost the key to my '29 Standard Coupe. I have what I believe to be an original pop out switch. Does anyone know if there is a way to remove the lock cylinder without removing the entire armored cable from the distributor ? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
Smurph

[Ron in Quincy]

On the edge of the bezel that is around the lock it should contain the lock number A***, 3 or 4 digits. You may have to remove the pop out from the dash cup to see the number.

Another way is to have a Lock Smith decode the lock and make a key for you; of course this would require taking the Pop Out out unless the lock smith could come to your home.

If you can come up with the lock number, contact A & L Parts, they can cut keys for you.

Ron

[Tom Wesenberg]

Here's a picture showing what Ron just described. Hopefully you can use a magnifying glass to read the number without the cylinder being out (ON position). Be sure to order 2 keys from A&L so you can keep one in a safe location. This is the last phone number I have for A&L 1-860-693-2620.

[leo]

What does it cost these days to have a key made, assuming you only have the lock number?

[H. L. Chauvin]

Last call for help?

If you go to "Search" to find his phone number, & if you call Mr. Dick Crabtree for a wealth of Model A pop-out switch restoration & key manufacturing information, it is guaranteed that this will be your LAST CALL.

Just try him.

[smurph]

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The only number I see is the # 4 which is on the face of the lock right next to the key slot. No A-xxx! Maybe not an original pop out? Does that #4 mean anything to any of you experts?
Thanks,
Smurph

[Tom Wesenberg]

You probably have the repro popout. I don't think replacement keys are sold for it, but other key blanks (from what I've read here) can be made to work. Do you have a picture of the key slot? That will tell us for sure.

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by smurph

The only number I see is the # 4 which is on the face of the lock right next to the key slot. No A-xxx! Maybe not an original pop out? Does that #4 mean anything to any of you experts?
Thanks,
Smurph

You have one of the made in Spain repops. They had key numbers 1 through 9. They are real easy to pick.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Here's a picture showing what Ron just described. Hopefully you can use a magnifying glass to read the number without the cylinder being out (ON position). Be sure to order 2 keys from A&L so you can keep one in a safe location. This is the last phone number I have for A&L 1-860-693-2620.

Just a suggestion for a safe location for the extra key. I keep a complete set of keys for everything in my safe deposit box. I have a note in the front of my living trust document that tells the executer where all the keys are located. I don't want to find myself sitting on a cloud some day screaming "the keys are on the hook by the door in the work shop"

Charlie Stephens

[smurph]

Thanks to all for your helpful replies. Attached is a picture with a close up on the tumbler. You can see the #4 on the left side of the key slot. If this a Spanish repop, any ideas where I could get a replacement key?
Thanks again,
Smurph

[smurph]

Here's another if of the entire housing. (I couldn't upload two at once!?)

[Bob Johnson]

There was an article in the Restorer Vol 36 Issue 6 Pages 35-41 on the Electrolock switch. It shows how to remove the tumbler without a key.

Bob

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by Bob Johnson

There was an article in the Restorer Vol 36 Issue 6 Pages 35-41 on the Electrolock switch. It shows how to remove the tumbler without a key.

Bob

Yeah, everybody has those 23 year old magazines and can just look it up.

[jkeesey]

My locksmith charges about $15 to make a key to fit a random lock. May be your best bet.

[Afordman31]

Originally Posted by leo

What does it cost these days to have a key made, assuming you only have the lock number?

I went last summer to a lock shop, my non pop out switch that I bought with a dash panel and speedometer didn't have a key.
The lock had a number on it so the shop looked it up and cut me two keys and charged me $5.00. I think it was my lucky day. Afordman31

[Brentwood Bob]

Both mine are Number 1, hope some one with the #4 key will contact you. That would be too easy though. Bob

[Joop]

Contact Brattons as they used to sell spare keys for that popout.

Bratton's Antique Auto Parts, Inc.
1606 Back Acre Circle
Mount Airy, MD 21771-7703
Toll FREE Order Number: 1-800-255-1929
Information Number: 1-301-829-9880

[dmarx01]

You have a #1 ? I have the #1 also but missing the key. Any way I can arrange with you to get a copy of your key? [email protected]

[smurph]

Hey dmarx01,

THE pop out guru is Dick Crabtree in South Dakota. If anyone can help you, Dick can. Call him at 605-487-7229.
Good luck,
Smurph

[C26Pinelake]

Contact Alan at A&L. I am sure he can help you and it will be very reasonable.
Wayne