MTFCA Forum

I need a spare ignition key for my 27 depot hack. Unfortunately the numbers on the key are worn off.
Also the numbers on ignition switch are not visible due to the severe pitting under the paint.
Is there a chart that I can identify my key by its outline

There is an article in the January/February Vintage Ford magazine that might help. Page 34

If you are able to post pictures on the forum, take pictures of both side of the key and I should be able to narrow it down to what key number you have.

The Vintage Ford Magazine article specifies the Manufacturer of the key and Not the Number.

We have 2 trucks and it appears they both have the same keys without numbers. Clum being the manufacturer. Can anybody figure out a number for these keys? I would like to purchase a couple of extras, just in case. Thank You.

Terry,

Those keys are the ones that come with the new reproduction switches. They are not Ford keys made by Clum or period aftermarket keys even though they have the Clum mark.

Langs and Snyders both stock duplicate keys for them. When you call to order just make sure you tell them you need a key for the new reproduction switches. They both have them in stock.

I was under the impression that the repro switches were a #55 key.

Steve,

They are “close” to a 55 key but there are some differences. On some occasions a worn 55 key might work but not always.

Here is a picture of a key that came with the new switches next to an original Ford script Caskey Dupree 55 key. The tooth profile is “close” but not exactly the same. Look at the groove that runs the length of the key and you can tell that on the key that came with the new switches runs to the left of the center or point on the key and the Ford 55 key the groove runs to the right of center on the point of the key.
When you lay the two keys on top of one another you can see that there is also a slight difference in the spacing of the tooth profile.

Back when my repop switch was giving me fits on my '26 Fordor I could turn the switch with just a thin shaft screwdriver! I cleaned up the original and am using it again. Have to see if Ben Martin is back at rebuilding 'em again.

Ed, Thanks a Million, my friend. I suspected they were aftermarket. Like RajoRacer, I was told they were a 55 key. I will see what I can purchase from Lang's or Snyder's.

Thanks Again,
Terry

What about the OP, John Delamater?

John,

Can you post a picture of your key as well?

mtntee20 wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 10, 2024 12:35 pm

The Vintage Ford Magazine article specifies the Manufacturer of the key and Not the Number.

We have 2 trucks and it appears they both have the same keys without numbers. Clum being the manufacturer. Can anybody figure out a number for these keys? I would like to purchase a couple of extras, just in case. Thank You.
Truck Keys.jpg

When matching keys start with the keyway (groove). They are either centered or off-center to the left or right. Basically the same cutting, could be used for 3 different keyways resulting in 3 different lock combinations.
It is not a #55 see the offset --
Looking at ID chart I created - looks to match a #56key
-- --
--
CLUM made switches for Model T's and usually used the same style BUT not always. The backing plate is embossed CLUM (or Briggs & Stratton). A true "CLUM" style key has a distinctive key way. They made ignition switches for Dodge Brothers and others -

Frank,

The groove or keyway is on the same side as a 74 key but the tooth profile of a 74 is also slightly different than the keys for the reproduction switches.

Here is an original Ford script Briggs 74 key next to a key for the reproduction switch.

Close but not an exact match. Again, like the 55, a worn 74 key “might” work in some situations. That’s why I would recommend if you have a reproduction switch to buy a duplicate from Langs or Snyder’s. They both have duplicates for the reproduction ignition switch keys in stock.

Ed Fuller wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:18 pm

Frank,

The groove or keyway is on the same side as a 74 key but the tooth profile of a 74 is also slightly different than the keys for the reproduction switches.

Here is an original Ford script Briggs 74 key next to a key for the reproduction switch.

IMG_3770.jpeg

IMG_3771.jpeg


Close but not an exact match.
IMG_3772.jpeg

Again, like the 55, a worn 74 key “might” work in some situations. That’s why I would recommend if you have a reproduction switch to buy a duplicate from Langs or Snyder’s. They both have duplicates for the reproduction ignition switch keys in stock.

I corrected my mistake I believe it is a #56. Lang's uses the same picture for all keys. My experience with the reproduction tumblers don't fit easily and some modifications are necessary. --
The sleeve has cut outs tom & bottom that are used as a stop when the key is inserted and the wafers are set into position. The worng key will cause some wafers to be high and catch the sleeve. When no key is in the tumbler the wafers drop down and that's what locks it different style sleeves used. --
--
The small disk needs to be fitted. The on on the left is original the right one is the repro

Frank,

A 56 is close but not exact.

Ed Fuller wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 10, 2024 5:13 pm

Frank,

A 56 is close but not exact.

IMG_3774.jpeg

If you slide the key a bit to the right it should match. When duplicating keys the blank & master are put into their respective vice. If the shoulders of the keys are not set all the way into the stop the duplicate will be off a bit or not work at all. The tumblers have a bit of forgiveness in them do to their spacing so wiggling a key in or out might be necessary

Ed Fuller......your expertise on ignition keys is very appreciated and valuable. Thanks !!

Frank,

Yes, on the keys for the reproduction switches, the distance from the shoulder to the teeth is different than the Ford keys. Here is an original master key laying on top of it with the shoulders aligned.
Here is the same master key on top of my 56 key with the shoulders aligned.

[attachment=0]IMG_3778.jpeg[/attachment

John - are you able to post a photo of your switch ? Does it have Ford script below the headlamp lever ?