Help with pop out switch--I lost my key!

smurph

smurph

Senior Member
I'm kicking myself for having lost the key to my '29 Standard Coupe. I have what I believe to be an original pop out switch. Does anyone know if there is a way to remove the lock cylinder without removing the entire armored cable from the distributor ? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
Smurph
 
On the edge of the bezel that is around the lock it should contain the lock number A***, 3 or 4 digits. You may have to remove the pop out from the dash cup to see the number.

Another way is to have a Lock Smith decode the lock and make a key for you; of course this would require taking the Pop Out out unless the lock smith could come to your home.

If you can come up with the lock number, contact A & L Parts, they can cut keys for you.

Ron
 
Here's a picture showing what Ron just described. Hopefully you can use a magnifying glass to read the number without the cylinder being out (ON position). Be sure to order 2 keys from A&L so you can keep one in a safe location. This is the last phone number I have for A&L 1-860-693-2620.
 

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What does it cost these days to have a key made, assuming you only have the lock number?
 
Last call for help?

If you go to "Search" to find his phone number, & if you call Mr. Dick Crabtree for a wealth of Model A pop-out switch restoration & key manufacturing information, it is guaranteed that this will be your LAST CALL.

Just try him.
 
The only number I see is the # 4 which is on the face of the lock right next to the key slot. No A-xxx! Maybe not an original pop out? Does that #4 mean anything to any of you experts?
Thanks,
Smurph
 
You probably have the repro popout. I don't think replacement keys are sold for it, but other key blanks (from what I've read here) can be made to work. Do you have a picture of the key slot? That will tell us for sure.
 
smurph said:
The only number I see is the # 4 which is on the face of the lock right next to the key slot. No A-xxx! Maybe not an original pop out? Does that #4 mean anything to any of you experts?
Thanks,
Smurph
Click to expand...

You have one of the made in Spain repops. They had key numbers 1 through 9. They are real easy to pick.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
Here's a picture showing what Ron just described. Hopefully you can use a magnifying glass to read the number without the cylinder being out (ON position). Be sure to order 2 keys from A&L so you can keep one in a safe location. This is the last phone number I have for A&L 1-860-693-2620.
Click to expand...
Just a suggestion for a safe location for the extra key. I keep a complete set of keys for everything in my safe deposit box. I have a note in the front of my living trust document that tells the executer where all the keys are located. I don't want to find myself sitting on a cloud some day screaming "the keys are on the hook by the door in the work shop"

Charlie Stephens
 
Thanks to all for your helpful replies. Attached is a picture with a close up on the tumbler. You can see the #4 on the left side of the key slot. If this a Spanish repop, any ideas where I could get a replacement key?
Thanks again,
Smurph
 

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Here's another if of the entire housing. (I couldn't upload two at once!?)
 

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There was an article in the Restorer Vol 36 Issue 6 Pages 35-41 on the Electrolock switch. It shows how to remove the tumbler without a key.

Bob
 
leo said:
What does it cost these days to have a key made, assuming you only have the lock number?
Click to expand...

I went last summer to a lock shop, my non pop out switch that I bought with a dash panel and speedometer didn't have a key.
The lock had a number on it so the shop looked it up and cut me two keys and charged me $5.00. I think it was my lucky day. Afordman31
 
Contact Brattons as they used to sell spare keys for that popout.

Bratton's Antique Auto Parts, Inc.
1606 Back Acre Circle
Mount Airy, MD 21771-7703
Toll FREE Order Number: 1-800-255-1929
Information Number: 1-301-829-9880
 
Hey dmarx01,

THE pop out guru is Dick Crabtree in South Dakota. If anyone can help you, Dick can. Call him at 605-487-7229.
Good luck,
Smurph
 
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