Ignition Switch Popout Key Number Location

[Tom Wesenberg]

The other day I tried to search for the pictures I posted in the past showing the ignition switch popout key number locations. I couldn't find them, so I'll post these two pictures in hopes they will be easy to find in the future.

The first picture shows the number location on the Electrolock switch used with the OVAL speedometer, which was used to mid 1930.
The second picture shows the number location for the switch used with the round speedometer.

[karasmer]

This is a great bit of information, I think I will print out to keep in my records. Thanks

[mhsprecher]

The lock number on my 28 was on the cylinder itself and only visible when the lock cylinder was out of the switch unit. I had mine apart last week and that was where it was. i did not take photos, unfortunately. I put it back together last night.

BTW, I could not get the lock to turn, so I removed it and sent it to Dick Crabtree, who fixed it right away and sent it back. The price was very reasonable.

[Randy in ca]

I'm confused - should the numbers on the key and cylinder not be the same? In Tom's first picture the number on the key is A1044, while that on the cylinder appears to be A1029 (?) or something, but for sure not A1044 (?). Also that cylinder is pulled out from it's normal position somewhat isn't it?

[mshmodela]

TomW,

Thank you for sharing your years of experience of Model As. As had been said before a picture is worth a thousand words....

[karasmer]

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If you are missing the key 28/29 and the pop out is in the "in" position it can be very hard to find the number but if you use a magnifying glass you can see it in there at a sharp angle. I almost gave up until I caught it and was able to read the full number.

[Randy in ca]

Originally Posted by karasmer

If you are missing the key 28/29 and the pop out is in the "in" position it can be very hard to find the number but if you use a magnifying glass you can see it in there at a sharp angle. I almost gave up until I caught it and was able to read the full number.

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I have an original 28-29 Electrolock and I tried exactly the same method, magnifying glass in one hand and flashlight in the other, and like you still found it very hard to get a positive read on the number. Spur of the moment I decided to try taking a flash picture down into the area where the number is stamped, blew the picture up and the number was very discernible.

That said I still have my unanswered question - do the numbers on the key and the cylinder need to be the same (as one would expect) or is there some other method of matching the two up? Anyone have a 839 key, if indeed that is what I need?

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[mhsprecher]

It is very easy to get the lock cylinder out of the switch. You just take out the large screw in the bottom of the middle photo. The lock cylinder should pop right out. There is a spring behind it. You can then easily read the lock number.

[Randy in ca]

Originally Posted by mhsprecher

It is very easy to get the lock cylinder out of the switch. You just take out the large screw in the bottom of the middle photo. The lock cylinder should pop right out. There is a spring behind it. You can then easily read the lock number.

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That's what I thought, but after taking out the screw nothing was loose and not remembering what all was inside didn't want to force it (looks like it's been forced a few times before!!) so applied some penetrating fluid and left it quite awhile. Just tried again and everything popped loose with a little coaxing.

[mhsprecher]

Great. There is a sleeve around the lock cylinder and the spring behind it, so not much to lose. Dick Crabtree told me that penetrating oil is not good for those locks. Others here have fixed them, but I was not about to try myself.

[Coupster]

My understanding is that is has to be in the unlocked position to remove the cylinder.

[Pilotdave]

I have what appears to be the round speedo/late 30+ version. A "B" inside a diamond is stamped on the bottom of the case. The key # located as shown in Tom's second photo is A1476. The keys are stamped A1146, and they work the popout. Both keys have a round head and have a "B" inside a diamond stamped on them.

Like Randy, I'm as confused about the number mismatch. Would it be the case that someone switched out the innards at some point?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Dave, that is the likely cause for the number mismatch. I bought a popout the same way some years ago.

[Pilotdave]

Thanks, Tom. I'm going to install this one in our '31 Roadster in spite of its mismatch. And I'll know what to look for the next time I go shopping for one!

[Darren Otey]

Holy Cow. I ask a question and it starts a whole conversation, great. I love reading all the information and advice. I am truly blessed. I will retain this info and I will check out what I have.