MTFCA Forum

I got some things with my T and i have a few questions about them.
First is this toolbox. I assume that it goes on the running board. It is lockable and looks like its from the Model T era. I do not have the key (that i know of). Are these simple locks, all the same, or maybe a random key might fit?...
How do i mount it? It has 4 holes on the bottom.
It is in original condition and i was thinking of painting it. I havent painted a whole lot, but have used rattle cans before and was thinking of cleaning it and painting it. What do you all think?

Look for a name on the lock.

The rounded bottom locks like yours are typically Yale.

The squared-off bottom locks are typically Corbin. I believe the locks on Standard brand toolboxes are also Corbin (the locks say "Standard" but, in my experience, the Corbin keys work).

Your lock takes a simple, short, flat key. The key number may be on the back of the lock but you won't know that unless you remove the lock.

I've taken toolbox locks to antique shops and ask if they have any keys for sale and I've found a few by testing and seeing what works.

Austin, that is a nice one. As tall as it is, it may well have been made for a battery on the running board. When used that way there would be two large holes drilled in the back for the leads. You need to check that it is not too tall, causing interference with opening the doors.

It could be mounted without drilling any holes in your Ford. Make up a timber base board to size and bolt that to the running board utilizing linger bolts that hold the running board to the frame brackets. Then the box can be screwed to that board.

Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.

Thanks for the replies!
My next thing is this suitcase.
Same thing, no key... anyway I can get it open without destroying it? No clue whats inside if anything.
Any ideas on how old it is?
It seems quite fragile and almost cardboard like feeling.

Any ideas?

"fuzzy handcuff" key might work.

Just send it to Tim and he could make a video of it and how to use a fuzzy hancuff key.

Allan from down under.

A lot of those suitcase locks are very simple. I have a few times literally used a hair pin to open them. Of course, sometimes, I have also been unable to pick similar locks. But, give it a try.

1925 Touring wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 05, 2023 3:58 pm

Thanks for the replies!
My next thing is this suitcase.
Same thing, no key... anyway I can get it open without destroying it? No clue whats inside if anything.
Any ideas on how old it is?
It seems quite fragile and almost cardboard like feeling.
20231030_170539.jpg20231030_170532.jpg

The close up of the lock shows a hole for the tip of a key to fit into. Luggage locks are simple and usually need a flat to release the locking pins.
You can try a key that looks like the one pictured.
This Meyer key is on eBay $19.99 + $3 shipping says make offer for $11 - likely countered for $15 -take it
https://www.ebay.com/itm/192870404585

Thank you for the ideas. I tried a key that came with a small little box I got that has a hole in the end of the key. The lock has a tab inside that sticks up that fits into the hole in the key. But the shape of the key is not quite right and I couldn't get it to work. It almost fit!
The key is way too big for thentoolbox lock. I need a really thin key for that.
Do you guys think that the suitcase is Model T era?

Find a locksmith shop in your area that’s has been around for several years. They usually will have rings of “try keys” they use to find a key for older locks. When they have one they can make a key or order a generic blank they can use to make a key.

Austin,
Attached is a page out of the 1926 Sears catalog for luggage.

Yep, the locksmith idea above is your best bet.

Thank you all!