MTFCA Forum

When did Ford switch the design of the 1914 key to the flat version?

T-5815 drawing print for 2-piece coil box key was re-drawn on 4-12-1913, but noted for 1914.

Then the new T-5815-A, the one piece coil box flat key , shown on drawing print with first revision date 7-10-1913, notes for use 1914 and later.

That new one piece design was noted in Rev 5-8-1917, according to Trent Boggess, so the flat one piece was introduced mid 1917.

corrected post 7/23/24

I received a publication put out for members of the Piquette Museum last week. In that issue, they had a photo of what they perceived a 1909-1918 key looks like. How wrong! This why doing the proper research is essential in this hobby, before putting it in print.

Original Smith wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 22, 2024 11:53 am

I received a publication put out for members of the Piquette Museum last week. In that issue, they had a photo of what they perceived a 1909-1918 key looks like. How wrong! This why doing the proper research is essential in this hobby, before putting it in print.

Did you inform them of their error?

Original Smith wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 22, 2024 11:53 am

This why doing the proper research is essential in this hobby, before putting it in print.

Agree too, easy enough to research as most all records can still be obtained.

T-5815-A
From the Collections of The Henry Ford, Benson Ford Research Center

Dont know if Ive ever seen a two piece key. Is it the style with the round center prong?

The MTFCA Encyclopedia has an extensive article on Ignition Keys 1913 - 1927By Trent E. Boggess Dept. of Business Plymouth State College, Plymouth
https://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/I-O.htm#ik
These is just some of what was documented. You should open the link to get all the information
"......This key was actually an assembly of three parts: T-5816, T-5817 and T-5823. The handle portion of the key was brass plated. Keys were supplied by both the Clum Manufacturing Co. and the K.W. Ignition Co.
.......The first real change in this key came on December 19, 1916. The finish on the key was changed from brass plate to Raven Finish
.......On May 8, 1917, the key was redesigned. Instead of an assembly of three pieces, the key was made from a single flat piece of cold-rolled steel. The name of the key was changed as well. Instead of “Switch Lever Assembly,” this part became known as simply the “Switch Key” This design was modified slightky on June 19, 1919 by changing the inside corners of the “L” shaped plugs to have a 3/64” radius instead of a square corner to strengthen the dies which made the key.

RGould1910 wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 22, 2024 5:04 pm

Dont know if Ive ever seen a two piece key. Is it the style with the round center prong?

Yep, has round center stud.

Interesting the print of the 2 piece shows ghost of pencil change that modified the handle of the 2 piece, to be more plain.
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.


The right box on the drawing print of the One-piece key is the Record of Change, which correctly I.d.s the changes to the print.

So Trent stated the flat one - piece style came out with that 1917 change note.

2-piece key

Then, why is Dan saying the flat key came out in late 13? I like what Trent is saying better!

Original Smith wrote: ↑

Tue Jul 23, 2024 12:03 am

Then, why is Dan saying the flat key came out in late 13? I like what Trent is saying better!

Larry

See my comment in last post, Trent had access to the Records of Changes, my observation on date was the drawing first date, which is incorrect.
The Record of Changes have the design changes, and usage changes dates, Trent obviously reviewed those for his article. Didn’t think to look up his article in the encyl. , just replied with date of print copy in my photo files.

It appears to me the first 1914 style keys are really 3 piece if you count the pin.

Question: The square holes are for turning on the acy tank. The hex hole is to adjust the coils.
What is the other plain round hole for. To fasten to a key chain or watch fob?

I think I mentioned of an article in the Klaxon, which is a publication for members of the Piquette Ave plant, they had a photo of a key that appears to come out of someone's junk pile! It was a typical flat key that came out I believe in 1917, but the Klaxon stated it was used from 1909-1918 which is totally incorrect., in fact the key was used on non starter cars through 1922. Someone had drilled a round hole in the pictured key, which makes it even more non correct. Oh well so much for research!

To answer the initial question, "it was likely much cheaper to make."

Allan from down under.

The 4-12-13 drawing revision.

Original Smith wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 03, 2024 12:15 am

I think I mentioned of an article in the Klaxon, which is a publication for members of the Piquette Ave plant, they had a photo of a key that appears to come out of someone's junk pile! It was a typical flat key that came out I believe in 1917, but the Klaxon stated it was used from 1909-1918 which is totally incorrect., in fact the key was used on non starter cars through 1922. Someone had drilled a round hole in the pictured key, which makes it even more non correct. Oh well so much for research!

I'll ask again, did you do anything to inform them of their error, or did you let the error go uncorrected, besides complaining about it here?