1934 ford key switch

good question as i'm trying to get one apart now. i searched all the old info here, and got the break away bolt off by welding a nut on, next i was lucky in getting the pin out with out hitting the cylinder inside, been soaking with atf/accitone now for days, and the cylinder will not move yet. it seems there is no shoulder to pry on ? pokeing in the pin hole does not give much ability to push, broke 2 punches, i have a wrong key that fits partway in so i can twist a little, but ....no luck. any one got any tricks to teach us?
 
cas3: Take a rubber mallet and hit the front of the lock cylinder (no key) this should help to get it moving. Any of the old Ford cut keys should be insertable into the lock cylinder all the way. Soak and soak some more. then use brake cleaner to clean it out and soak some more. Light taps with the hammer on the end of the key. If you can not get an old key to go all the way in, I doubt the cylinder will be any good even if it does come out of the drop so you may want to drill and insert a easy out into the lock cylinder.
 
Just a word of caution ...I don't like to hear folks hitting any of these old locks with a hammer...they are way too old and now too brittle to take any kind of beating.
The key don't wanna go in for a reason. The lock usually breaks internally.... long before the hammer will.
The number of dead locks I get is really sad. I have had folks send me a lump of brass after it has been through 2 or 3 guys and "a good local Locksmith that can make a key" and then ask me to "pick it" and make a key. I usually just say a prayer and send it back.....DOA ya know...Try more Penetrating oil ...and lots of it followed by a weeklong bath of Evaporust ....Spray it down with brakekleen to get the oil off of it before the Evaporust soak. An uncut key works well to use as a tool to help turn the cylinder. make sure it's unlocked or you will twist off the roller and then YOU can say a prayer while you get your check book out at the flea market to buy a new one !!
Sadly a few have decided tough it out.......and have to be put to sleep.
Thankfully only a couple and they were previously molested by someone else.
Cheap advice is always free ...call me and I'll try to help over the phone......
Phil 845 551 5132
 
Terry, the rubber hammer is a good idea, i'm sure that would have helped, but i got it out last night. once it starts to move at all, progress is quick. sad to hear the cylinder may not be ok if a key wont go in. its a key from a 40 pickup. the cylinder looks good, no damage, so no one is fixing them? i see from forum searches its a FK series, later lock, all brass, no plating. any idea where to send it to a lock doctor?
 
Spray with brake cleaner to try and remove any impacted dirt in the key slot and then soak some more... Compressed air is not very good, but if you have to keep the PSI low. since it is out you have a much better chance at getting it cleaned out The 40 pick up key should go all the way in. There are 5 pins eventually you should be able to feel each as the key enters the lock. If you want it re-pined to match the door lock you have to remove the door cylinder (best) or have an existing key that works in the door nicely. Send the cylinder (even if you can not get the key all the way in and a working door key or the door cylinder to Phil above or Leon Rowell, or Doug Vogel PM me I can supply addresses if you want.
 
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