Dumb Question about ERA Ignition Keys

[chuckbrandt]

Hi Folks,
I tried my keys today and found that the square one works in ignition and trunk, and the round one works in the ignition only. Is that correct? Also the square one is much more difficult to turn in the ignition switch than the round one. Is there any fix for that? Not tragic but it's definitly annoying.

Thanks, Chuck

[mr0077]

Hmmm...my square one only unlocks the doors...just kidding.
My square one only works the trunk and the round one only the ignition, but you can be sure I'll double check the square one in the ignition tonight...sure don't want domeone to break into the car.

[chuckbrandt]

Maybe the square one isn't _supposed_ to work in the ignition switch, but mine does.

That makes more sense. I doubt the brits would have a "valet" key (which if my setup is correct the round one would be).

Chuck

[speed220mph]

Boggled my mind, too. Round for ignition and square for the trunk. Follows the same logic as the reverse speedo. Maybe we're backwards!

[Jim Holden]

Chuck:

The round one is supposed to only work in the ignition, the square one only in the trunk...

Jim

[mr0077]

But...what about unlocking the doors? do you use the remote for that? I'm so confused...and I can't find my remote anyway.

[clayfoushee]

LOL....they must use the same supplier as Unique, round ignition square trunk and hood latch locks. BTW, Home Depot has the blanks for the ignition keys, but doesn't for the square key The square one has "made in England" stamped on it.

[strictlypersonl]

The ignition switch is US made and the trunk lock is British. Any compatibility is strictly coincidental. Don't force the key!

(Our door locks are made in South Unobtainia.)

[chuckbrandt]

Not that it's a huge security problem but do you think Peter would let me uncoincidence them? The profiles are _very_ similar.

Thanks, Chuck

[Ron61]

Maybe they got a bunch of left over 1958 Ford ignitions and trunk locks. Those cars were famous for others keys unlocking doors, trunks, and starting other cars. I finally changed out all of my locks and the ignition on mine as half the other 58 Fords around here could use their keys to open and start mine. Then Glory of glory, I found out that my old 58 trunk key would open the doors and start my friends 59 Ford. Really drove him crazy trying to figure out why his car was never where he THOUGHT he had left it.

Ron

[chuckbrandt]

My Dad used to tell a story about a guy leaving a bar and driving home in someone elses red buick. Didn't Ford go to the double sided key in '65 or '66? I wonder if that afforded more tumbler locations or more knotch levels?

Anyway, it's interesting that my square key works in both, the profiles are similar but not identical. So I think in general "close" can get the job done. Any locksmiths out there care to comment?

Chuck

[Ron61]

Chuck,

I can't remember if my 65 Galaxie had double sided keys or not, but I think it did. I know the 69 has them.

Boy, your keys are clsoe aren't they. I am sure that these ignition and trunk locks aren't exactly the highest level locks made as they make so many of them.

Ron

[casaleenie]

Clay,

I just e-mailed Alan Weaver about the switch this morning.. It quit working for me last night... (it's been a little shakey for a month now) Can it be purchased locally or do I need to have Alan send me one?

[chuckbrandt]

I know my Dad's '67 Galaxie has double sided and the '63 1/3 Galaxie I used to have didn't. Not sure when the switch was. Oddly my '74 Bronco still has single sided keys, I guess that's because it's a truck.

Chuck

[cobrajeff]

1967 was the year that Ford switched to "double-sided" keys. In 1965 and 1966, the keys were all single-sided.

regards,

Jeff

[REDSC400]

Keys? Who needs thost stee-king keys?
I have a push button start with ignition switch and battery isolation switch.