MTFCA Forum

Hello...As I drive my 1914 Touring car more places I occasionally have to leave it unattended and because I can not lock the ignition, I am worried someone might get hurt playing with the car. The ignition has a key slot, but I don't have a key for it. See attached picture.
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Does anyone know where I could get a key? Or should I just try to find a different switch?
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See attached picture.....Thank you.

That's a mighty nifty accessory. If it was mine, it would have a key made for it.

Chances are there were different keys for this lock, so you would need to have one made or at least what you need identified. Small locks of that era were not very sophisticated. An option may be to install a hidden on/off switch in line with the ignition switch

A good locksmith should be able to make a key for it. Try to find an old guy or a sharp younger one. Being a Yale is likely has blanks that would fit.
I have never had a problem leaving the key in mine but we live in a smaller city.
Rich

Would the switch still function if you removed the three screws and removed the cylinder.

The Model A used Yale locks for the ignition key.

The same key may fit that lock.

The Model A key codes are available, I may have them here.

Guy by the Name of Greg in Sequim Wa. 360-683-8817 Master Locksmith also runs a Lock Musuem

Hello Bryan,

I agree with the guys, it would be great to find a locksmith that could help you out. BUT, I would suggest you put a Master Power Switch hidden somewhere so you could turn OFF all the power, as in a battery disconnect switch. Not only would you prevent tampering to some extent, but you would also protect your T from any electrical failure while you were not present. There are several to choose from. Some of them have a removable "key" to prevent tampering. This is not a regular key but more of a removable handle.

Good Luck!

I was the original poster....I took the switch apart and I surprised to find the lock mechanism looks like it is out of an old desk. When you turn the lock the latch slides out and touches the contact point that powers the coils. Overall it is very simple...see pictures. There is the number 12 on the lock, I think that may represent the key needed for this type of lock.
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I don't know anything about the standard Model T ignition systems because this is the only one I have ever had. Does a standard Model T ignition system work this way too?
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No, the original early switch had a removable generic key - one key fit all coil boxes - here's how the original switch is wired - borrowed from the Web.

I have an accessory KW locking coil box switch on our '14 Touring - I'll grab a photo later.

That is interesting!

It looks like if you have a hot Mag, you can start and run on Mag.

I have a car with one of those locking switch's. I was lucky to get it with the key. I took it to a locksmith to see if I could get a copy made. The locksmith just smiled and got the correct blank off his pegboard display and cut it. The moral of this story is that the key blanks are available and plentiful.

paulmikeska wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 29, 2022 9:16 pm

I have a car with one of those locking switch's. I was lucky to get it with the key. I took it to a locksmith to see if I could get a copy made. The locksmith just smiled and got the correct blank off his pegboard display and cut it. The moral of this story is that the key blanks are available and plentiful.

Can you post a picture of the key. Would help shed some light on what's needed.

I would be happy to post a picture but I am out of town on business and won't be home for 2 weeks. When I get home I will post one.

The key that Bryan needs looks just like the key shown in the Yale tool box lock that was just posted.