Ignition switch/key needed 1947 P15

[dogfoose]

Hi all, Does anyone know where I can find an ignition switch and key for a 1947 P15 Special Deluxe? I lost the original key and was thinking this to be the best way around it. If anyone has another idea, let me know. I will name my next spare tire after you. Thanks!

-mike

[Young Ed]

You can get a cylinder and key from napa or probably most auto parts places and put it in your existing switch.

[dogfoose]

Any idea how to remove the old one, meaning, without the original key? Is that possible? Thanks Ed.

[Young Ed]

If you are careful you can drill or dremel the pin off the old one and get it out. You might be able to take the drill to the keyway and get enough of it busted to allow that pin to push in too.

[BobT-47P15]

Son in law bought a replacement ignition tumbler with key from

O'Reilly Auto store recently. Maybe 10 or 12 dollars. Fits fine.

[RobertKB]

If you still have the original switch, take it down to any competent locksmith and he should be able to cut a key for you.

[JerseyHarold]

Any locksmith should be able to either pick your existing cylinder to the 'on' position so the pin can be depressed without damaging the lock, or make a key to fit the exisiting lock by a process called 'impresssioning'. I'd opt for impressioning because this way you have the same key to fit both the doors and ignition as original.

You may have to search for a competent locksmith depending on where you live. Some of the newer shops may not have these skills. You might want to ask at your local police department to see who they know in your area.

[Oldguy48]

I just purchased one from NAPA. I couldn't find the key to my ignition switch, despite a lot of searching. I remember deciding to place the key somewhere where I wouldn't lose it, since I had the whole dashboard disassembled. Well, I couldn't find it when I needed it. Called two local locksmiths, and they wouldn't touch it. So I went to the local NAPA, and got a Echlin KS6482, thanks to info I found on this forum. Cost was about $25. Used the Dremel to get the old tumbler out, and the new one fit like a glove. I love this forum.

You can get a cylinder and key from napa or probably most auto parts places and put it in your existing switch.

Edited September 21, 2010 by Oldguy48

[BobT-47P15]

Any locksmith should be able to either pick your existing cylinder to the 'on' position so the pin can be depressed without damaging the lock, or make a key to fit the exisiting lock by a process called 'impresssioning'. I'd opt for impressioning because this way you have the same key to fit both the doors and ignition as original.

You may have to search for a competent locksmith depending on where you live. Some of the newer shops may not have these skills. You might want to ask at your local police department to see who they know in your area.

Man, good locksmiths (at least on the old stuff) are getting real hard to

find. I took a trunk lock with no key to most all our local smiths....none

could or would do it. Finally, the one that tried messed up part of the

lock......the shaft connector. Made a key that just barely works.

I don't think they do impressioning any more around here

.....I think the law has outlawed the little gun-like tool they do that with

[JerseyHarold]

I don't think they do impressioning any more around here

.....I think the law has outlawed the little gun-like tool they do that with

I believe that's a 'pick gun' used to open locks without a key. It jostles all the pins simultaneously in the hope they'll line up so you can turn the lock. Some locksmiths swear by them, others swear at them.

Impressioning involves starting with a key blank and then filing it down systematically to the correct contour to open the lock.

I had friends in the lock business years ago and I would occasionally go on calls with them or help around the shop. I learned some interesting stuff because of it.

[Tony_Urwin]

I have an ignition cylinder and key that I believe goes to a P15. I have two other mopars, so it is possible that I am mistaken about which vehicle. If you want to try it, I will mail it to you and you can make a donation to the forum as payment.

[BobT-47P15]

Harold, I'm not really sure what I'm talking about, but this one old time

locksmith here in town used to take some little gun type gadget and

put it up to the opening of the lock, then pull the trigger. It seems like

it had some metal thin strips that went into the tumbler. I always

thought it "felt" the pins to tell him which ones he needed to use to

make the key. He was pretty quick about it and the key would almost

always work fine.

[JerseyHarold]

Harold, I'm not really sure what I'm talking about, but this one old time

locksmith here in town used to take some little gun type gadget and

put it up to the opening of the lock, then pull the trigger. It seems like

it had some metal thin strips that went into the tumbler. I always

thought it "felt" the pins to tell him which ones he needed to use to

make the key. He was pretty quick about it and the key would almost

always work fine.

I've never heard of a device to read pins like that but then again I never did this for a living. It would sure be a handy tool to have for all these keyless Mopars!

[oldmopar]

Harold there is a locksmith in Freehold boro I think it is B&E. He has made a few keys from cylinders for me (door for a model T, trunk key for a 52 Plymouth and a few others) Not sure how he does it but not to expensive I think $10-15 including the key its been a few years back

ed

[JerseyHarold]

Harold there is a locksmith in Freehold boro I think it is B&E. He has made a few keys from cylinders for me (door for a model T, trunk key for a 52 Plymouth and a few others) Not sure how he does it but not to expensive I think $10-15 including the key its been a few years back

ed

That's good to know. I don't have any keys for my '51 business coupe and I think they would be nice to have...I've only had the car since 1988!

[oldmopar]

I as recall that car is a work in progress but I think it will need some new tires once you get it on the road

[JerseyHarold]

I as recall that car is a work in progress but I think it will need some new tires once you get it on the road

I sure will! It was last registered in 1974.